Cable TV
MIB tells MSOs: Report on cable ops and subs grievance redressal mechanism
NEW DELHI: All multi-system operators have been asked to send to the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) details of the grievance redressal mechanism drawn up by them to hear complaints of cable operators and subscribers.
Pointing out that this is mandatory under Rule 12(2) of the Cable Television Networks Rules 1994 for every cable operator and multi-system operator, the ministry has sought a report by 25 September 2017 from all MSOs.
At the outset, the note says that during the implementation of Digital Addressable System (DAS) which became operational from 1 April this year, a large number of complaints have been received on the following issues:
i) Non-issuance of payment receipts/computer bills,
ii) Abrupt stoppage of services and/or channels by cable operators without any notice,
iii) No fixed price of STBs- different operators charge different rates,
iv) Non-filling up of CAF,
v) Non-operationalisation of toll-free number for redressal of consumer grievances,
vi) Non-creation of web-site for logging of complaints
vii) Not providing a-la-carte choice of channels
viii) Nodal officer name not notified
Rule 12(2) says MSOs and LCOs “shall devise a mechanism for grievance redressal of subscribers in respect of the services offered by them in such manner as may be specified by the Authority and inform the details thereof to the subscribers through the cable service or the website or any other appropriate means and such information shall also include the address and telephone number where a subscriber can file a complaint and the time period within which grievances are to be addressed, the manner of communication of the redressal to a subscriber and the feedback thereon from the subscriber.”
It added that under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India regulations on Consumers Complaint Redressal (Digital Addressable Cable TV Systems) Regulations 2012 dated 14 May 2012, every MSO and the linked LCOs should have to:
i) establish a ‘web-based complaint monitoring system’ to enable the consumers to monitor the status of their complaints
ii) establish a complaint centre in his service area and publicise the toll-free Consumer Care Number.
iii) appoint or designate one or more Nodal Officers in every state in which it is providing its service.
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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.
