DTH
Videocon d2h launches mobile TV app; strengthens OTT commitment
MUMBAI: In order to strengthen its over the top (OTT) service, direct to home (DTH) operator Videocon d2h has launched a mobile TV app. The new app – Direct to Mobile TV will make it possible for Videocon d2h subscribers to watch television anytime, anywhere on their mobile phones.
Available on both iOS and Android, the Direct to Mobile TV app will give viewers instant access to a wide range of news, entertainment, sports and movie channels. The platform currently boasts of more than 70 select live TV channels and more than 3,000 movies and videos.
Priced at Rs 60 per month, the offering includes channels, such as Sony Entertainment Television, Sony Max, Sony Music, Sab, Aaj Tak and many regional language channels. The service also features a programme guide, show reminders and social media integration, besides the What’s Hot section.
Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot said, “We are happy to be on the leading edge of India’s OTT revolution with the launch of our Direct to Mobile TV app. This is an important move for Videocon d2h, as we strengthen our commitment to introducing new technologies to our subscribers, allowing them to have a robust and enhanced experience while viewing our contents. We are confident that an increasing number of consumers will enjoy this offering in the days to come.”
The Direct to Mobile TV service targets an increasing number of working professionals, shoppers and students spending time outside their homes with round-the-clock access to TV, films and other desired programmes regardless of location.
Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera added, “With our new Direct to Mobile TV app, Videocon d2h’s subscribers will never have to miss their favourite shows while on the move. We believe it affirms our continuous focus on innovation and our ability to deliver high quality solutions and services. We are sure that this mobile TV app will be of great interest to our viewers and will ensure our prominent presence in the OTT space.”
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.
