DTH
Switch and Data supports DirecTV’s local digital and HD expansion
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MUMBAI: DirecTV, Inc. is continuously expanding the entertainment channels and services it provides to its more than 15 million customers. This expansion includes local and high definition (HDTV) programming in more than 141 markets in the US. |
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Switch and Data, a provider of carrier-neutral collocation and internet exchange services, is accelerating DirecTV’s expansion with the local and regional data centers required to enable the delivery of critical content, including local standard and high definition local programming to its customers.
 DirecTV uses Switch and Data’s data centers in key markets for collocation of their specialised equipment to access local programming (standard definition and high definition) from the local television stations.
Switch and Data data centers also serve as DirecTV’s regional network hub in four markets where they consolidate local collection facilities (LCF). From these hubs, the signals are consolidated again on DirecTV’s backbone and backhauled to Los Angeles, Denver, New Hampshire or Minneapolis where they uplink it to their satellites for transmission to customer dishes. |
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“Switch and Data provides the reliable and redundant local and regional facilities DirecTV needs to deliver and expand their services. Our presence in 23 markets in North America allows DirecTV to maintain consistency in the roll-out of new programming. DirecTV’s customers rely on them to deliver quality programming and we are pleased to have been a key component in DirecTV’s local channel expansion over the last five years,” said Switch and Data CEO Keith Olsen.
Switch and Data manages all aspects of the physical infrastructure installation, from power to carrier connections to roof access. DirecTV is able to leverage Switch and Data’s extensive footprint of data centers while relying on a single point of contact for billing and technical support for critical operational efficiency.
DirecTV, Inc chief technology officer Romulo Pontual said, “Local channels, along with our fully integrated program guide and award-winning digital quality signal, provide the best viewing experience for DirecTV customers. As a reliable and efficient provider of data center services, Switch and Data has played an important role in the success of our local channel initiative.” |
DTH
DD Free Dish e-auction revenue dips to Rs 642 crore as slot sales fall
Revenue dips as revised norms reshape bidding in 94th round
NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati’s DD Free Dish has closed its 8th annual, and 94th overall, e-auction for MPEG-2 slots with total collections of Rs 642 crore for the period April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
That is lower than last year’s Rs 780 crore haul, with 55 slots sold compared with 61 in FY25–26. The softer topline reflects both a slimmer inventory and a recalibrated auction framework.
This was the first auction conducted after amendments to the e-auction methodology, including tighter eligibility norms and a revised reserve price structure for MPEG-2 slots. The stated aim was greater transparency and more serious participation. The immediate outcome appears to be more measured bidding in certain categories.
Day one set the tone. Eight slots were sold, six in the premium Bucket A+ and two in Bucket A. The strong early action in A+, which typically houses Hindi GECs and movie channels, reaffirmed the enduring appeal of mass Hindi programming on the platform.
Among the broadcasters securing slots in the initial rounds were Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Sony Pictures Networks India, Viacom18’s Colors network, Sun Network and Shemaroo Entertainment. Their continued presence signals that, despite the pull of digital platforms, Free Dish remains a strategic must have for legacy networks chasing scale in price sensitive markets.
The final bouquet of 55 channels leans heavily towards Hindi news, movies, devotional fare, Bhojpuri and regional programming.
In Hindi news, familiar heavyweights such as Aaj Tak, ABP News, India TV, News18 India, Republic Bharat and Zee News made the cut. Entertainment and movie offerings include Colors Rishtey, Star Utsav, Dangal TV, Sony Pal, Shemaroo TV, Goldmines, B4U Movies and Zee Biskope. Devotional viewers will find Aastha, Sanskar and Sadhna Gold among the selected channels.
Regional representation includes Sun Marathi, Fakt Marathi, PTC Punjabi and GTC Punjabi.
Equally telling were the absences. Broadcasters such as Big Magic, Filamchi Bhojpuri, India News, Bharat Express, Movieplex Maithili, TV9 Marathi, Shemaroo Marathibana, Zee Chitra Mandir and Satsang did not participate. The pullback is particularly visible across Marathi, Bhojpuri, Maithili and spiritual programming. Industry observers point to the revised reserve prices, tighter eligibility norms and a reassessment of commercial viability as possible factors.
DD Free Dish continues to beam into over 40 million homes, largely in rural and semi urban India. For advertisers and broadcasters alike, it offers efficient access to Bharat markets where pay TV penetration remains uneven and OTT subscriptions are limited.
The moderation in revenue this year may be read as a pause rather than a retreat. Fewer slots, a reworked auction playbook and evolving broadcaster strategies have clearly shaped outcomes. Yet premium Hindi entertainment retains its pull, and the platform’s mass reach remains hard to ignore.
As the FY26–27 line-up settles in, the mix of winners and walkaways will define the private satellite channel landscape on DD Free Dish for the year ahead.
