DTH
One Alliance switches off InCablenet over pending dues
MUMBAI: The disconnection virus seems to be spreading in Mumbai. Following ESPN-Star Sports, SET-Discovery One Alliance bouquet of channels has switched off its service to Hinduja’s InCable Network in Mumbai.
Confirming the same to indiantelevision.com, SET-Discovery India president Shantonu Aditya says: “There are two reasons – non-settlement of the outstanding dues of Rs 20 million for the month of March and non-renewal of the agreement contract which expired on 31 March 2003. Actually, we have been giving them signals in good faith for an entire month in the absence of a proper contract,” says Aditya.
InCablenet, in its response has raised the imminent rollout of CAS as its reason for not signing on to a new agreement. A statement issued by InCablenet says: “With a few weeks left for the introduction of the conditional access regime, broadcasters have gone on the warpath with MSOs. Broadcasters have started making a demand for higher connectivity and higher rate per customer, which InCablenet has, in view of the resistance by customers, refused to accept.
The statement also drew attention to the the hearing of public interest litigation tomorrow before Bombay High Court demanding reduction of cable subscription rates, as another reason for not reaching agreement with SET-Discovery.
According to InCablenet, with CAS around the corner, commercial arrangements in a post CAS regime are what need to be discussed.
Aditya, however, dismissed this line of argument saying an agreement has to be in place because services are being rendered and it is not possible to function in the absence of a formal contract.
Aditya confirms that the two parties failed to reach a mutually acceptable figure as far as the disputed amount (of Rs 20 million) was concerned. “We are hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon. Despite repeated assurances, we haven’t received payments – which are actually ground collections. We believe that the issue of under-declarations is still unresolved,” says Aditya.
Aditya, however, mentioned that Incable Network had settled all the previous dues. He added that the representatives of both the affected parties have been conducting talks and have had several discussions.
The One Alliance team has also prepared itself for piracy related problems and illegal stealing of signals. “Copyright laws have been strengthened in recent times,” Aditya says.
Speaking of piracy, an ESPN official has filed charges in three different police stations in Mumbai alleging theft of the ESPN Star Sports signals.
In turn InCablenet COO Rajiv Vyas and vice-president (operations) Manoj Motwani, have obtained anticipatory bail from a sessions court in Mumbai. The ESPN official, Prakash Shinde, in his FIRs, filed in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar, DN Nagar and MIDC-Andheri police stations last week, has said InCablenet was tapping signals from neighbouring operators in violation of Section 51 (a) and (b) of the Copyright Act.
DTH
Dish TV launches ‘Kuch chhota sa’ campaign for TV flexibilit
New campaign highlights 190+ channels, Always-On service, Rs 99 Freedom Pack.
MUMBAI- Sometimes, the smallest remote click can fix the biggest daily friction and Dish TV is betting on exactly that insight. The company has rolled out a new campaign built around the thought ‘Kuch chhota sa karne par, life hogi behtar’, turning everyday viewing annoyances into a case for simpler, more reliable television access.
The campaign taps into a familiar household reality: millions of viewers continue to rely on free-to-air channels but increasingly want the flexibility of premium content, often ending up with a patchy and inconsistent viewing experience. Dish TV positions itself as the middle path—a structured yet flexible alternative that promises continuity without complexity. At its core is the pitch of an “Always-On” service, designed to keep content accessible even when recharge timelines slip, effectively reducing one of the most common friction points in DTH consumption.
To strengthen this proposition, the platform is offering access to over 190 channels, alongside a flexible pricing hook through its Freedom Pack, starting at Rs 99. The pack is positioned as a seasonal companion particularly relevant during high-engagement periods such as cricket tournaments, school holidays and festive windows, when content consumption spikes but users may not want long-term commitments.
Conceptualised by Enormous, the campaign unfolds through two master films and three short edits rooted in slice-of-life storytelling. From a husband quietly navigating around his sleeping wife to siblings striking a compromise over a coveted window seat, the narratives lean into humour and relatability rather than heavy messaging. The underlying idea remains consistent: small adjustments can meaningfully improve everyday experiences.
The rollout spans a full 360-degree media mix, including television, digital platforms, on-ground activations, point-of-sale visibility, Google Display Network placements and influencer-led content, signalling a push for both scale and contextual engagement.
As viewing habits continue to evolve in a hybrid ecosystem of free and paid content, Dish TV’s latest play reflects a broader industry shift where reliability and flexibility are increasingly positioned as differentiators, not just add-ons. In a market crowded with choice, the brand’s wager is simple: sometimes, it’s the smallest tweak that keeps audiences tuned in.
