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.”
Cable TV
Hathway Cable appoints Gurjeev Singh Kapoor as CEO
Leadership change comes as cable TV faces shrinking subscriber base and modest earnings pressure
MUMBAI: Hathway Cable and Datacom has tapped industry veteran Gurjeev Singh Kapoor as chief executive officer, marking a leadership pivot at a time when India’s cable television business is under mounting strain.
Kapoor will take over from Tavinderjit Singh Panesar, who is set to retire in August after a long innings with the company. Panesar, chief executive since 2023, has held multiple leadership roles at Hathway, including his latest stint beginning in 2022.
Kapoor brings more than three decades of experience in media and entertainment. He most recently led distribution at The Walt Disney Company’s Star India business, now part of JioStar. His career spans television distribution and affiliate partnerships, with stints at Sony Pictures Networks India, Discovery Communications and Zee Entertainment.
Panesar, with over three decades in the industry, has worked across strategic planning, distribution and business development in media, broadcasting and manufacturing. His past associations include ESPN Star Sports, Star India, Apollo Tyres and JK Industries.
The transition lands as the cable sector grapples with structural disruption. Traditional operators are losing ground to streaming platforms, while telecom and broadband players tighten the squeeze with bundled offerings.
An EY report estimates India’s pay-TV base could shrink by a further 30 to 40 million households by 2030, taking the total down to 71 to 81 million. The slide follows a loss of nearly 40 million homes between 2018 and 2024, a contraction that has already wiped out more than 37,000 jobs in the local cable operator ecosystem.
Hathway’s numbers reflect the strain. The company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 93 crore for FY25, down from Rs 99 crore a year earlier. Revenue inched up to Rs 2,040 crore from Rs 1,981 crore. As of December 2025, it had about 4.7 million cable TV subscribers and roughly 1.02 million broadband users.
Kapoor steps in with a familiar brief but a shrinking playbook. In a market where viewers are cutting cords faster than companies can reinvent them, the new chief executive inherits a business fighting to stay plugged in.
