Cable TV
Hathway Cable and Datacom launches E-KYC
MUMBAI: Hathway Cable and Datacom announced the launch of electronic KYC that will strengthen the create efficiency in the KYC process as defined and stipulated by TRAI.
With the launch of electronic KYC, Hathway says that it endorses regulatory compliance with TRAI regarding completion of customer requisition form by the customer in a digitized format. With the electronic KYC, the entire distribution chain including the LCO will be able to easily store millions of forms at a lower operational cost, thus, simplifying Hathway’s daily business and improving customer relationships.
This digital technology is also aimed at upgrading LCO partners and helping them to align with the current trends and service consumers effectively. The electronic KYC feature also enables updation of customer details including proof of identity, proof of address and customer’s digital photograph by using an APP, at the same time activating the customer’s set top box in real time basis.
The detailed process flow includes authenticating customers through their digital signature on a smartphone or via an OTP generated on the registered mobile number which is followed by the CRF being generated. The same will be circulated to the customer in person and also stored digitally, which can be easily accessed by the LCO as well.
This environment-friendly initiative eliminates the need to print large number of paper forms in a fast growing digital world, thus, proving time-consuming and effective measure keeping in mind the ever increasing digital cable subscriber universe.Recently, Hathway launched a breakthrough initiative with an LCO portal Hathway Connect that aims to redefine and transform business dynamics and further strengthen the role of the LCO in the distribution chain.
Commenting on the E-KYC initiative,Hathway video business president TS Panesar said, “Over the past year, Hathway has taken some defining steps in transforming the way the cable industry operates and with the launch of the E-KYC process, we truly comply with TRAI’s directive in easing out customer experience which will prove to be an important stepping-stone. It also coincides with ‘Hathway Connect’-our online portal for LCOs, which will overall help our LCO partners and make their business operations more convenient. By upgrading the LCOs with E-KYC, our endeavour is to give our consumers, a world class and seamless experience from the word go.”
MUMBAI: When margins wobble, liquidity talks and in Q3 FY25-26, cash did most of the talking. Den Networks Limited closed the December quarter with consolidated revenue of Rs.251 crore, marginally higher than the previous quarter but down 4 per cent year-on-year, even as profitability stayed resilient on the back of strong cash reserves and disciplined cost control.
Subscription income softened to Rs.98 crore, slipping 3 per cent sequentially and 14 per cent from last year, while placement and marketing income offered some cheer, rising 15 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs.148 crore. Total costs climbed faster than revenue, up 7 per cent QoQ to Rs.238 crore, driven largely by higher content costs and operating expenses. As a result, EBITDA dropped sharply to Rs.13 crore from Rs.19 crore in Q2 and Rs.28 crore a year ago, pulling margins down to 5 per cent.
Yet, the bottom line refused to blink. Profit after tax stood at Rs.40 crore, up 15 per cent sequentially and only marginally lower than last year’s Rs.42 crore. A healthy Rs.57 crore in other income helped cushion operating pressure, keeping profit before tax at Rs.48 crore, broadly stable quarter-on-quarter despite the tougher cost environment.
The real headline-grabber, however, sits on the balance sheet. The company remains debt-free, with cash and cash equivalents swelling to Rs.3,279 crore as of December 31, 2025. Net worth rose to Rs.3,748 crore, while online collections accounted for 97 per cent of total receipts, underscoring strong cash discipline across operations, including subsidiaries.
In short, while Q3 showed signs of operating strain, the financial backbone remains solid. With zero gross debt, steady profits and a formidable cash war chest, the company enters the next quarter with flexibility firmly on its side proving that in uncertain markets, balance sheet strength can be the best growth strategy.
