Cable TV
JAINHITS conducts first ever LCO meet in Chennai
MUMBAI: JAINHITS, India’s first and only HITS based Direct to Network (DTN) service, attracted a large number of local cable operators (LCOs) at its first ever state business meet in Chennai.
While the dispute with the central government regarding DAS license to the state-owned ARASU network is not showing any signs of early resolution, the cable operators showed interest in the JAINHITS platform and expressed their resolve to digitise their networks because they did not want to miss the advantages of the digital revolution and also because their clients want the legal and transparent framework for running their promising business.
At the meet, senior members of JAINHITS briefed cable operators about JAINHITS’ services and offerings. They further briefed on JAINHITS cost effective solutions to LCOs for running fully DAS compliant digital cable TV services. During the interactive meet the LCO’s were interested to know more on the entire spectrum of consumer products and services that will be provided by JAINHITS such as high speed, cloud and hybrid broadband TV (HBB TV).
The key concern of the LCOs was the ownership of the control room and they were happy to learn that they can set up their own control room at nominal costs while maintaining QOS (Quality of Service Standards) as prescribed by TRAI.
Queries and concerns of LCOs regarding technology, services, channel packages, DAS regulations etc were addressed by JAINHITS team. LCOs were provided with a brief overview on the digitisation scenario of the country vis-?-vis digitization in Tamil Nadu. They were also educated on how JAINHITS technology helps them to achieve digitization and addressability in one go. JAINHITS team also gave the demo of their MPEG – 4 high quality signals to prove the superiority of their service.
Addressing the meet, JAINHITS chairman Dr JK Jain stated that JAINHITS is supporting the struggle of small and independent local cable operators who are under the threat of big money lords. He also said that the monopoly over the content as well as on the distribution channels is not a desirable practice. JAINHITS supports a decentralized model of electronic media ownership and therefore is forging partnerships with small Cable Operators. He further added that his company believes in transparent business dealings. Conducting such joint meetings with Cable Operators aims at promoting the understanding and business acumen of the stakeholders.The greatest beneficiary of JAINHITS in the State of Tamil Nadu is going to be the State Government because the system will stop the theft of Government revenues and shall improve the tax collections and compliance by a large number of TV viewers.
Enthusiastic team of young entrepreneurs and cable operators who have constituted ABCN Network organised the event. JAINHITS has already appointed ABCN the non exclusive regional service partners.
ABCN chairman Marimuthu said, “One of JAINHITS key propositions is that it allows cable operators to retain business control and simultaneously enhance their growth with a very-low capital solution for digitization.” Mr. Nazir Ali, CEO of the ABCN told the Cable Operators at the meet that as the DAS deadline is getting closer (30th September and 31st December 2014), it is imperative that cable operators of the state of Tamil Nadu join hands with India’s first and only HITS player.
The company also used the platform to introduce some exclusive discounts and offers and some exclusive head end deals to those who commit large subscriber base.
JAINHITS offers high quality cost effective solutions to LCOs for running fully DAS compliant Digital Cable TV services to its subscriber. It also offers high speed broadband service, multi-screen, and many more value added services along with consumer products such as cloud broadband, hybrid broadband TV (HBB TV) etc. Currently JAINHITS offers 250+ channels including all major pay TV and soon full HD and multi-screen service shall be avaiable to consumers.
Currently, JAINHITS is offering dual audio feed to seven channels namely Disney, Cartoon Network, Pogo,Discovery, History TV18, Animal Planet and Nickelodeon. JAINHITS has partnered with the world’s leading technology company ARRIS (former Motorola Home) and Intelsat – the largest Satellite Company in the world. The key proposition of the JAINHITS platform is conversion of LCO as MSO with very minimum cost and providing all end to end solutions for Digital cable and Broadband services. With this, JAINHITS is all set to install over 3000 Mini Downlink Headend’s across India by the end of 2014, the 32 districts of Tamil Nadu will play a significant role.
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.
