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Hathway JV MSO in Gujarat to deploy NDS solution for digital cable
MUMBAI: Hathway Cable & Datacom-controlled Gujarat Telelink Private Ltd (GTPL) is deploying an end-to-end solution from NDS to power and protect its digital cable TV services. GTPL, the largest multi-system operator (MSO) in Gujarat, plans to deploy NDS VideoGuard conditional access technology, NDS MediaHighway middleware, interactive applications including games and an NDS electronic programme guide (EPG). | |
VideoGuard will secure over 180 digital TV channels, including premium content such as international movies, as well as value added services including a ‘songs on demand’ service. GTPL also plans to launch video-on-demand (VoD), based on technology from NDS, in the coming months. GTPL CMD Anirudhsinh Jadeja says, “We look forward to working with NDS to move our business forward. With NDS as our technology partner, we are confident in our ability to provide a compelling digital TV proposition to our customers.” NDS senior VP, GM Asia Pacific Sue Taylor adds, “GTPL is committed to delivering a superior TV and broadband service to subscribers and we at NDS are looking forward to helping them achieve this goal.” NDS is currently supporting four major operators to securely bring advanced TV to Indian subscribers. | |
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With 57 per cent single new users, Ashley Madison rebrands as discreet dating platform
Platform says majority of new members now identify as single
INDIA: Ashley Madison is shedding the “married-dating” label that defined it for two decades, repositioning itself as a platform for discreet dating in what it calls the post-social media age.
The rebrand, unveiled in India on 27 February, 2026, marks a structural shift in business model and identity. Once synonymous with married dating, the company now describes itself as the “premier destination for discreet dating” under a new tagline: Where Desire Meets Discretion.
The pivot is data-driven. Internal figures show that 57 per cent of global sign-ups between 1 January and 31 December, 2025 identified as single: a notable departure from the platform’s married core. The company argues that its community has already evolved beyond its original positioning.
“In an age where our lives have been constantly put on public display, privacy has become the new luxury,” said Ashley Madison chief strategy officer Paul Keable. He framed the platform’s offering as “ethical discretion” for singles, separated, divorced and non-monogamous users seeking private connections.
The shift also taps into wider digital fatigue. A global survey conducted by YouGov for Ashley Madison, covering 13,071 adults across Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US, found mounting discomfort with hyper-public online lives.
Among dating app users, 30 per cent cited constant swiping and messaging as a source of fatigue, while 24 per cent pointed to pressure to curate public-facing profiles and early personal disclosure. Some 27 per cent said fears of screenshots or information being shared contributed to exhaustion; an equal share cited unwanted attention.
The retreat from oversharing appears broader. According to the survey, 46 per cent of adults actively try to keep most aspects of their life private online. Only 8 per cent feel comfortable sharing most aspects publicly, while 35 per cent say they are becoming more selective about what they disclose.
Ashley Madison is betting that this cultural recalibration towards controlled visibility can be monetised. By doubling down on privacy infrastructure and reframing itself around discretion rather than infidelity, the company is attempting to convert reputational baggage into a premium proposition.
