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Hathway ready to meet CAS deadline; invests Rs120-150m per city
MUMBAI: The Rajan Raheja owned multi-system operator (MSO) Hathway Cable and Datacom, in which Star India holds 26 per cent equity stake, has announced that it is ready to meet the 14 July CAS deadline. The company has invested between Rs 120-150 million per city in building conditional access related infrastructure.
The funding is being done from internal accruals.
While addressing an informal press meet in Mumbai, Hathway Cable and Datacom vice-president Neeraj Bhatia claimed: “We are fully geared up to do justice to our role as service providers that can deliver appropriate solutions to consumers. We also feel that we can deliver the solutions within the notified deadline of 14 July 2003.”
However, Bhatia admitted: “Time is running out and the onus is on the broadcasters to quickly announce the prices of the individual pay channels.”
Pointing out that this ‘signal’ from broadcasters will be a cue for the cable operators to approach consumer households and initiate the process of installing boxes, Bhatia added: “The process will also give us authentic on-ground data on the `demand estimation’ process. Demand estimation is very important in this intermediate phase. Broadcasters must clearly spell out their pricing plans in order to enable us to commence the process of approaching consumers. The earlier they do it, the better.”
Since the last two months, Hathway has started working closely with its technology partners and systems integrators such as NDS for backend technology; Mindport for billing systems; and Satyam Computers for software integration.
On 30 April 2003, News Corp technology arm NDS had announced that Hathway Cable and Datacom has selected its systems to launch the MSO’s conditional access rollout.
NDS is acting as prime systems integrator and technology provider for Hathway’s digital network upgrade and will also oversee integration of the set-top box, compression systems and subscriber management systems.
Also read:
Cable industry would do the trick: Hathway’s Neeraj Bhatia
Future belongs to the consumer: Hathway’s Neeraj Bhatia
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
