Monday 30 April 2018

BSNL may get 5 Mhz slot in 2100 Mhz band for launching 4G services

The government may soon offer the state-run telco Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) 5 Mhz slot in the 2100 Mhz band for launching 4G services. With this, BSNL may compete well with the leading telcos like Jio and Airtel.

DD Sports Ticker issue: Pvt Broadcasters may go to court against MIB’sorder

On 25 April, the private channel showing live sports of national importance have been asked by the I&B Minto run tickers that the same match is also available on DD Sports. The diktat irked private broadcasters in India and they are going to take the legal route against it.

BIG FM appoints Shipra Srivastava as national marketing head &Soela Joshi as associate VP

Shipra Srivastava has become national marketing head while Soela Joshi as associate vice president at FM radio station BIG FM. The radio station is currently expanding its content portfolio for integrated marketing campaigns and fortifying its original and digital content offering. These two appointments are expected to address the same.

Top ten ads on YouTube India register 1.36 million hours of watch time in Q1 FY18

Tata Motors, Netmeds.com, Oppo Mobile and Cadbury are some of the ads on YouTube India which clocked massive viewership. As per YouTube India Ads Leader board for Q1 FY18, top ten ads clocked 1.36 million hours of watch time. Out of this, mobile devices accounted for 83.8% of the watch time.

EU proposes secure enhanced protection for children, stricter rules on advertising, 30% local content on TV channels, VoD platforms

In a latest proposal, the European Parliament negotiators have proposed secure enhanced protection for children, stricter rules on advertising, and at least 30% of content in programmes of TV channels and video on demand (VoD) platforms must be European.

Bharat Kedia resigns from ZEEL

Bharat Kedia, ZEEL’s chief financial officer, has quit the company.  He joined ZEEL in July 2017 to replace Mihir Modi.

GTPL Hathway Board approves buying of additional stake in two subsidiary cos

GTPL Hathway, the Multi system operator (MSO), will buy additional 13% equity shares in GTPL Space City, a subsidiary company in which the company presently holds 61.50% equity shares. Thus, the company’s shareholding will increase to 74.5%. The company will also acquire remaining 49% stake in GTPL Junagadh making it a wholly owned subsidiary of the company. It owned 51% stake in the company prior to the acquisition.

FIR lodged against two TV news channels for fake news

Samachar Plus and News 1 India have been allegedly found engaged in fake news. As per authorities, they broadcasted false stories, and an FIR was lodged against them, following a complaint by the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA).

Malaysian Authorities convict first person under its Fake News law

As fake news is creating havoc world over, countries are gearing up to frame their own rules. In such a case, the Malaysian authorities have convicted a Danish man on 30 April sending him to jail for breaking a law against 'fake news'.

Sunday 29 April 2018

Kabul urges India for DTH transponder

The government of Afghanistan has urged India for a transponder for its direct-to-Home (DTH) TV services, according to an official from the Department of Space. Earlier too, Kabul got from India a transponder from the South Asia Satellite. But while the earlier one was offered for free as a gift, Kabul will have to pay for the new one.

Saturday 28 April 2018

Idea to start VoLTE services in May

While Vodafone is aggressively launching its VoLTE services in many parts of the country, Idea Cellular will also start its Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services in a phased manner for its customers, starting from May this year.

Berhampur district administration seals MSO Ortel’s office

The Behrampur office of multi system operator (MSO) Ortel Communications has been sealed by the district administration for alleged violation of fire safety norms and trade license.As per reports from Odisha TV, the sub-collector and the commissioner of the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) raided the office on 26 April.

Broadcasters asked to carry ticker about DD Sports

To inform the viewers that the match is also available on DD Sports, private broadcasters showing live sportive events of national importance will now have to carry a ticker. On 25 April, the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has asked broadcasters to run a ticker.

MSO Asianet- Star Case reaches Delhi HC

The case involving the multi system operator (MSO) Asianet Satellite Communications and Star India on price dispute has now reached the Delhi High Court after the MSO filed an appeal against the order of the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal’s (TDSAT) which asked it to either sign an reference interconnect offer (RIO) or negotiated deal with broadcaster Star India in 30 days.

Jagran to buy back 1.5 crore shares; board approves proposal

Jagran will buy back shares worth Rs. 292.5 crore, as the Prakashan board has approved the proposal to  buy back 1.5 crore shares at a price of Rs 195 per equity share. This is 4.82% stake in the company.

Novi Digital registers Rs 489 crore loss this FY

Novi Digital Entertainment has posted a massive loss of Rs. 489 crore this FY. The company, which houses Star India’s video on demand (VoD) platform Hotstar, faced 20% greater loss than last fiscal. Its revenue from operations increased 81.4% to Rs 321 crore from Rs 178.5 crore in FY16. In 2017, Star India had injected Rs 1233 crore ($192.04 million) into the company.

Microsoft launches Windows 10 update

The new update in Microsoft Windows can be downloaded from 30 April. Microsoft launched the update on 10 April, and it will start to roll out to Windows 10 PCs worldwide on May 8.

Delhi HC issues notice to Star India in a Kerala-based MSO’s case

On 28 April, the Delhi High Court asked Star India to file its response on a plea by Kerala cable operator Asianet Satellite Communications Ltd (ASCL) against an order of telecom tribunal TDSAT on the rate to be paid to the former for showing its channels in southern India.

RJio registers Rs 510 crore profit in Q4

While leading telecom operator Airtel registered a big loss in Q4, the new entrant Reliance Jio Infocomm reported a net profit of Rs 510 crore, which is Rs. 6 crore up from the third Q. Its Operating revenue was Rs. 7128 crore.

Thursday 26 April 2018

Massive Aadhaar leak reported from Andhra Pradesh

As the matter of Aadhaar privacy is still going on in the Supreme Court, a security researcher Kodali Srinivas has exposed how a State government website was leaking the Aadhaar data, bank accounts complete with IFSC code, caste and religion besides geo-location of 1.34 lakh beneficiaries of housing schemes.

Govt to construct dedicated ducts along new highways

In a latest move, the government will construct dedicated ducts along new highways for laying optical fibre lines for telecom and power lines. The telecom department and the road transport ministry have agreed for allocating land along the green field highways to the telecom department for this purpose.

Minister directs BSNL to strengthen mobile connectivity in Maoist-affected regions

On 25 April, the Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir  directed BSNL to expedite bandwidth upgradation in 35 worst-affected Maoist districts on priority and ensure up to 2 mbps capacity within one month. This was announced during a high-level meeting to review the mobile connectivity issues in Left Wing Extremism (Maoist) affected districts of the country.

SC asks RCom to pay spectrum dues to DoT by 2 May

The Supreme Court has asked Reliance Communications to pay spectrum dues which are to the tune of Rs 774 crore. The amount has to be paid to the telecom department (DoT) by May 2.

Airtel reports Rs 652 crore loss due to termination cost cut& tariff war

The tariff war unleashed by the entry of RJio in Sep. 2016, and cut in termination cost by the telecom regulator TRAI has led Airtel to witness Rs 652 crore losses in its India business during the March quarter (Q4).

Wednesday 25 April 2018

WION launches Hindi audio feed; first to achieve this feat in India

A step towards inclusive infotainment, the Zee Media Corporation Ltd’s (ZMCL) English global news channel World Is One News (WION) has launched Hindi audio option to its viewers. The step also makes great business sense as the broadcaster can now reach maximum viewers. Also, this is the first time in India that a News Channel is providing dual audio feed.

Viu partners with broadcasters; will create 70 originals this year

To expand its reach and win more subscribers, the PCCW Media Group-owned video streaming service (VoD) Viu will create 70 original shows in 2018, and has also partnered with Times Network’s entertainment channel Zoom TV and Sun Network TV’s Telugu GEC Gemini TV.

CLSA Global Markets offloads 3.07% stake in Hathway Cable

Stake (3.07%) worth Rs 91.94 in cable TV and broadband service provider Hathway Cable & Datacom crore have been offloaded by the Singapore-based foreign investor CLSA Global Markets. It was done in an open market.

Sony invests more in preschool learning and entertainment appHopster

An additional equity investment in preschool learning and entertainment app Hopster was done by Sony Pictures Television Networks (SPTN) in the latest round of funding which was also supported by existing investors Venture Founders and the Angel Co Fund.

Hooq India partners with BBC Studios for content

Now, the subscribers of the video streaming platform Hooq India will be able to watch the gripping shows of BBC, as the OTT platform has partnered with BBC Studios. The deal includes nearly 200 hours of top BBC drama.

India to get its biggest telecom towers group; Bharti Infratel to merge with Indus Towers

Bharti  Infratel has announced its intention to merge with Indus Towers which is owned by Vodafone India and Idea Cellular. Post-merger, it will be a $14.6 billion company with 1.63 lakh towers.

Upma Chaudhary may become next MIB Secretary

As per media sources, Upma Chaudhary, a 1983 batch Himachal IAS officer, may become the new secretary with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).

BARC India starts Out Of Home (OOH) viewership data

The TV viewership measurement agency the Broadcasters Audience Research Council (BARC) has launched out of home (OOH) viewership data. Experts say that this will give a major boost for broadcasters as well as sports broadcasters.

Travelxp to launch 4K HDR channel in India; to launch in UK as FTA

Travelxp, the travel and lifestyle channel, is going to debut in the UK on 30 April as a free to air (FTA) service on Freeview UK platform. As per company’s claims, the distribution on Freeview will allow the channel to reach close to 16 million homes.

Airtel Digital TV’s Q4 EBITDA stands at Rs 370 crore

As per latest disclosure, the direct to home (DTH) arm Bharti Telemedia, Airtel Digital TV’s EBITDA for the quarter ended 31 March (Q4) has remained unattractive at Rs 370.1 crore as against Rs 370.8 crore in the trailing quarter ended 31 December.

Tuesday 24 April 2018

Airtel-Jio IPL ad matter reaches HC

On 24 April, the Delhi High Court sought the response of Airtel on a contempt plea moved by Reliance Jio. In the complaint, the appellant alleged that Airtel's campaign for IPL was in violation of the previous order.

QYOU partners with iflix, Go Media, Jio; reaches 300 million consumers

To reach more and more consumers, the world’s leading curator of premium ‘best-of-the-web’ video for multiscreen distribution QYOU Media has already partnered with iflix, Go Media and Jio. It now reaches 300 million consumers globally.

Ashish Naik becomes national sales head at News18.com

Ashish Naik, who was earlier with the Times Internet Limited, has been appointed as national sales head at News18.com. Naik has over 17 years of experience in media sales. Ashish will aim to bring onboard a maximum number of advertising partners and consolidate the network’s position as a leader in the space.

Monday 23 April 2018

Bodhi Tree to produce content for OTT

Bodhi Tree Multimedia is producing content for OTT platforms such as Viu, Voot and Times Group-owned Worldwide Media.Bodhi Tree Multimedia Director Sukesh Motwani said the company is in talks with other digital players for producing shows.

Asianet must sign RIO or reach negotiated deal with Star in one month: TDSAT

According to the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), the multi system operator (MSO) Asianet Satellite Communication should enter into a written interconnect agreement with Star India either on reference interconnect offer (RIO) or mutually agreed terms in a month’s time.

MIB’s prohibitive rules harm prospects of M&A in FM radio sector

In near future, there may be not many mergers & acquisitions (M&A) in the FM radio space due to prohibitive rules put in place by the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB).

RBTV-Antrix matter reaches TDSAT

Eight days after Antrix disconnected transponder service to the Direct To Home (DTH) operator Reliance Big TV, the latter has now moved the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).The service was expired on 14 April.

Sunday 22 April 2018

TRAI to finalise recommendation on privacy, security & ownership of data in telecom sector by April end

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had issued a consultation paper on the privacy, security and ownership of data in telecom sector in 2017 and followed it up with an open house discussion in February 2018. Now, the recommendations are expected to come out by April end, as per RS Sharma, TRAI Chairman.

Saturday 21 April 2018

Hathway & ZEEL make out-of-court settlement

On 20 February, broadcaster ZEEL had moved the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to recover outstanding dues from MSO Hathway. The broadcaster had issued a demand notice of Rs 50 crore against Hathway. The dues were for a period of 4-5 months.

West Bengal CM launches a committee to address LCOs’ issues

To address the issues of the local cable operators (LCOs) in West Bengal, the chief minister of the state Ms. Mamata Banerjee has set-up a committee, which includes Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim, Labour Minister Malay Ghatak, Youth and Sports Minister Arup Biswas, the Commissioner of Police, and representatives of broadcasters and cable operators.

South Delhi Municipal Corporation to mop up Rs 15-Cr from 3,000 mobile towers

While the sealing is going on, causing call drops in Delhi, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) is set to earn Rs. 15 Crore from 3,000 mobile towers in areas under its jurisdiction as part of property tax on them. The civic body is likely to move a resolution in this regard.

India & South Korea to partner for 5G test labs; High level panel to prepare report

As India is getting ready to roll out 5G, the country is looking to partner with South Korea, which was ranked second in information communications technology index for 2017 by the International Telecommunication Union, while India was at the 134th position.

Friday 20 April 2018

Puducherry MSOs & LCOs asked to stop transmitting analogue signals from 30 April

On 18 April, the multi system operators (MSOs) and local cable operators (LCOs) of Puducherry were asked by the government to stop transmitting analogue signals from 30 April.

NCLAT recalls its April 6 order which allowed sale of RCom towers

Reliance Communications cannot sell its towers till April 23 as the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has recalled its April 6 order that allowed the sale. The NCLT order of March 12, barring the sale of tower and fibre assets held by Reliance Infratel, continues for now.

Zee to launch channels for 3 regional markets in FY19

Taking the importance of regional viewership seriously, the Zee Media Corporation Ltd (ZMCL) will soon enter three such markets with the launch of three news channels in FY19. The channels will cover Kannada, Telugu and Assam-North East regions.

Hathway Digital gets disconnection notice from IndiaCast

The multi system operator (MSO) Hathway Digital has received a disconnection notice from IndiaCast Media Distribution. The notice was issued early April due to non-payment of dues, non-submission of monthly subscriber reports, under-declaration of subscribers, failure to allow an audit of systems, and unauthorised retransmission of channels.

Toonami to shut on 15 May

Toonami, which was the third channel from Turner after Cartoon Network and Pogo, will shut down on 15 May after nearly three years post its launch in India.

Vice India starts its operations in India

Producer and distributor of local programming for digital, mobile and linear platforms, the youth media brand Vice Media has now started its operations in the country; it has reached a partnership with Times of India Group. The partnership allows Vice India to bring locally relevant content to hundreds of millions of new eyeballs in primarily, Hindi and English.

Viu partners with GMM Channel to expand in Thailand

OTT content is global in nature and knows no boundaries. The leading pan-regional OTT video service by PCCW Media Group, Viu has recently partnered with Thailand based GMM channel, one of the largest entertainment companies in Thailand.

ENIL launches Kool FM in Hyderabad

The people of Hyderabad can now tune to English FM channel Kool FM, which has been launched by the Entertainment Network India Ltd (ENIL); it is a full-fledged English music station, which will play the latest English music. In addition, there will be slots for the evergreen hits.

TRAI extends date for receiving comments on Consultation Paper on "Issues related to Placing of Television Channel on Landing Page"

The telecom regulator TRAI has extended time for receiving comments on the Consultation Paper on "Issues related to Placing of Television Channel on Landing Page". Stakeholders can send their comments by 04.05.2018 and counter comments, if any, by 11.05.2018.

Thursday 19 April 2018

Songdew.com launches music TV channel Songdew TV

To further expand its presence across all segments of viewers, the digital music network Songdew.com has launched of a free-to-air (FTA) music channel Songdew TV.

Dish TV adds 30 new Tamil channels to boost its presence in Tamil Nadu

To boost its market share in Tamil Nadu, the direct-to-home (DTH) operator Dish TV has added 30 new Tamil channels; now Dish TV’s Tamil channel offering stand at 70.

TRAI differs from MIB over DTH licensing norms

While the telecom regulator TRAI wants to retain the licence tenure of DTH operators at 20 years, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) wants to reduce it to 10 years. On entry fee too, both differ. While the Ministry wants the entry fee of operators to be increased from Rs 10 crore to Rs 25 crore, the TRAI wants to keep it at Rs 10 crore.

Wednesday 18 April 2018

Dr Roger Tong becomes AsiaSat executive director, CEO

Dr Roger Tong has been appointed as executive director, CEO by Asian satellite operator AsiaSat; he will succeed Andrew Jordan who has resigned from the company and will serve as a senior advisor until 31 October 2018.

Netflix & Comcast expand their partnership

The global OTT giant Netflix has expanded its partnership with the US pay-TV service provider and entertainment conglomerate Comcast. The deal will enable Comcast the ability to include a Netflix subscription in new and existing Xfinity packages.

Police apprehend 3 people in Gwalior for TV viewership manipulation

Three people have been arrested by the Gwalior police for TV rating manipulation in favour of a Hindi news channel. The complaint was filed by Hansa Research, one of the vendors tasked with the responsibility of installing Bar-O-Meters in panel homes.

Sanjeev Garg resigns from Diligent Media

Sanjeev Garg, CEO, Diligent Media Corporation Ltd (DMCL), has resigned with effect from 17 April.

Tuesday 17 April 2018

Modi asks Niti Ayog to train ministries on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

As the country is heading towards artificial intelligence (AI) based manufacturing and businesses, PM Modi wants all his ministers to learn AI. He has asked Niti Aayog to familiarise all ministries with the high-end technology and explain how it can be leveraged to address the country’s socio-economic problems.

France creates its own WhatsApp to protect data of its people

The massive Facebook data theft has alerted nations like nothing. As data is the new oil, the French government is building its own encrypted messenger service to ease fears that foreign entities could spy on private conversations between top officials, according to the digital ministry.

U.S. bans its firms from selling to China's ZTE; UK on the same page

The Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE Corp is getting banned for seven years for violating the terms of a sanctions violation case. The U.S. Department of Commerce is banning American companies from selling components.

Opposition call Govt as ‘Surveillance Sarkar’ for DTH chip announcement; experts too not happy

While experts too feel that by announcing chip insertion in TV STBs (Set-Top-Box) is a poor idea, opposition led by Congress is attacking the government for intruding into the privacy of the people.

WhatsApp releases new feature ‘Request Money’

The most popular messaging app WhatsApp has added one more feature ‘Request Money’ for Android beta users. The new tool will enable users request money from their contacts. Earlier, WhatsApp Payments only allowed users to send money to contacts.

Monday 16 April 2018

Karti Chidambaram gets interim protection from arrest till 2 May

Karti Chidambaram has got interim protection from arrest till 2 May by a Delhi court on 16 April. The court had on March 24 granted interim relief to Karti till 16 April after considering that both the investigative agencies had sought time to file their responses on his anticipatory bail plea.

TRAI launches beta version of web portal for comparison of mobile tariffs

The telecom regulator TRAI has recently launched a portal for consumers to compare all available mobile phone tariffs across operators. It is the first such platform from the government.

100 million 5G smartphones to hit the markets by 2021

The days of 4G smartphones will get over soon. According to the report compiled by Counterpoint Research, the 5G smartphone shipments are expected to grow a whopping 255 per cent by 2021, almost reaching 110 million units.

TRAI organizes OHD on Consultation Paper on “Issues relating to Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels”

On 11 April, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) organized an Open House Discussion (OHD) on Consultation Paper on “Issues relating to Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels”.

ASCI & AYUSH partner to stop misleading ads

Misleading ads of AYUSH drugs are common. To stop this evil, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy’s (AYUSH) have partnered. The ASCI has become the only non-Government member in the Ministry.

Wednesday 11 April 2018

Ease of Doing Business in Broadcasting Sector

TRAI has sent its recommendations to The Ministry. Now it is upto The Ministry to implement them or not. We give a summary of these recommendations

Hybrid STBs: Taking Digitalization to Next Level

Hybrid STBs to convert our existing television viewing into a “Smart TV Experience”. Users can watch satellite TV content as well as online content from Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms such as YouTube, Hotstar, Netflix, Amazon Prime etc.

I&B Ministry faces wrath of parliamentary Committee

In the last few months, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry (MIB/I&B) has been in the news for all the unwanted reasons such as withholding the salaries of Prasar Bharati staff following a war of words between the Ministry and the Board, and underutilization of the fund.

IoT in Focus at Convergence India 2018

26th Convergence India 2018 expo & 2nd IoT India 2018 draws to an end; record footfall of over 20,000

Role of Accelerated Digital Change in Asia’s Growing Economy

Three in One Mega event of Asia has a new addition in ConnecTechAsia addressing this issue. The show will be held in Singapore from 26-28 June 2018.

What after Digitisation? TDSAT Seminar held in Mumbai on 24 March 2018

TDSAT Seminar held in Mumbai focused on post Digitisation developments in the Industry, particularly the regulated challenges in the converged communication environment. As reported earlier, TDSAT’s domain of adjudication has been increased including Cyber and Online disputes and Airport Sector.

THE PAD PIPER

A Documentary on India’s real Pad Man Arunachalam Muruganantham was made for NHK television of Japan much before the release of Akshay Kumar’s ‘Pad Man’

TRAI Regulations being ping ponged between Courts

What does a ball do? It moves when it is hit. There are many ways to extend the time limit of a case; moving from court to court, judge to judge is one way, though no one can complain as the judiciary is over-burdened with millions of pending cases. But who will shed a tear on consumers’ interests getting eroded in the dance of a case?

Cambridge Analytica’s Loot of Facebook Users’ Data Who will protect users’ privacy ?

March 2018 has been the month of leakages and theft. While the Aadhaar data sale in black markets was still under scanner, the Indian politics was caught red-faced with the BBC’s Channel 4 News disclosure of Facebook data theft by a British consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica (CA). It was accused of using data for helping various political parties and candidates to influence voters to win elections (the biggest example was Donald Trump); the data were harvested from 50 million Facebook profiles.

Saturday 7 April 2018

TRAI issues Consultation Paper on mobile number portability (MNP) process

The telecom regulator TRAI issued a Consultation Paper on how to improve mobile number portability (MNP) process on 6 April. TRAI has sought stakeholders’ views on the framework it has suggested on the issue of porting codes by MNP service providers when consumers want to move from one network to another or from one circle to another.

Airtel & Jio deploy pre-5G Massive MIMO at IPL stadiums

Reliance Jio has deployed pre-5G Massive MIMO for users at IPL matches in Delhi and Mumbai. The stadiums of the IPL matches have been connected with pre-5G Massive MIMO units.

Cisco to establish IoT incubation centre 'thingQbator' at Thiruvananthapuram

To keep an edge over its rivals, global tech & IT giant Cisco has partnered with the NASSCOM Foundation, and will soon set up an incubator centre 'thingQbator' for start-ups to nurture and develop ideas in the Internet of Things (IoT) domain at the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management-Kerala (IIITM-K) Thiruvananthapuram.

NCLAT lifts stay on Reliance Infra’ stower & fibre sale

With the National Company Appellate Law Tribunal (NCLAT)’s vacating stay on Reliance Infra’s tower, fibre sale, Anil Ambani -led Reliance Communications' worries have come down. But NCLAT has asked Reliance Infra to deposit the sale proceeds in an escrow account of the State Bank of India (SBI).

Sony wins 6 medals at ABBY Awards 2018

The 50th Creative ABBY Awards was held at Goafest 2018 in which Sony Pictures Networks India has won 6 medals in the broadcast category. It was on top with 32 points. Hindi GEC Sony Entertainment Television won four silver medals and two bronze medals.

Govt promises additional capacity to facilitate migration of DTH ops to indigenous satellites within 3 years

The minister of state (MoS) in the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said in the Lok Sabha that there will be enough satellite capacity on Indian satellites in the next three years to facilitate the migration of Direct To Home (DTH) operators from foreign to indigenous satellites.

Star sells 95% ad inventory for IPL

Star India, the media rights holder of the ongoing IPL tournament,has achieved nearly 95% target of ad sales for the tournament which started on 7 April. There are 14 sponsors including three co-presenting and 11 associate sponsors. A total of 100+ brands have come on-board for the IPL.

Star sells 95% ad inventory for IPL

Star India, the media rights holder of the ongoing IPL tournament,has achieved nearly 95% target of ad sales for the tournament which started on 7 April. There are 14 sponsors including three co-presenting and 11 associate sponsors. A total of 100+ brands have come on-board for the IPL.

Friday 6 April 2018

MIB directs BARC to stop using landing page as tool for TV ratings

While the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on April 5 issued a consultation paper to seek views of the stakeholders on the issue of landing page, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry (MIB) has told the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to stop using landing channel or page to measure television ratings and submit a compliance report within a span of 15 days.

MIB okays live Uplinking of IPL matches

On 6 April, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has given its permission for temporary live uplinking of the IPL matches which are starting on April 7.

MIB constitutes a committee to frame rules to regulate online media

On 5 April, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry (MIB) constituted a committee to frame rules to regulate news portals and media websites.  As per order dated April 4, the 10-member committee includes secretaries of the ministries of information and broadcasting, electronics and information technology, and home. The committee will also have representatives of the Press Council of India, News Broadcasters Association and Indian Broadcasters Federation.

Star India finds BCCI media rights expensive but worth buying

Talking about the massive sum spent on purchasing media rights of BCCI matches for which e-auction ended on April 5, Star India chairman & CEO and 21st Century Fox Asia President Uday Shankar said that though the deal was over expensive but it was worth buying.

SES Networks appoints John-Paul Hemingway as CEO

John-Paul Hemingway has been appointed by SES as CEO of SES Networks. He will replace Steve Collar who has become President & CEO of SES.

Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global acquires DEN shares worth Rs 19.08 cr

On April 6, Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) increased its stake in multi system operator (MSO) DEN by buying 18,34,784 or 0.9% stake at Rs 104 a piece for Rs 19.08 crore. It is a sovereign wealth fund of Government of Norway.

Journalists & cyber law experts not happy with Govt’s proposal of regulating online media

After making a U-turn from fake news norms, the Government is now planning to bring regulation to monitor/curtail online media. The steps have not been liked by the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) which has protested against the decision.

Thursday 5 April 2018

13-digit numbers issued by DoT for M2M network trials

The much awaited 13-digit numbers to telecom operators for the trial of machine-to-machine (M2M) communications like smart electric metres and car tracking devices have been issued by the Department of Telecom (DoT) on 5 April.

TRAI presents Report on ‘Public Wi-Fi Open Pilot Project’ to MoS for Communications

On 5 April, the telecom regulator TRAI presented the Report on Public Wi-Fi Open Pilot Project to the Hon'ble Minister of State for Communications (Independent Charge) today. The Authority had brought out a Consultation Paper on "Proliferation of Broadband through Public Wi-Fi Networks" with a view to examine the need of encouraging public Wi-Fi networks in the country from a public policy point of view, discuss the issues in its proliferation and find out solutions for the same. Subsequently, the Authority came out with its Recommendations on "Proliferation of Broadband through Public Wi-Fi Networks" which was sent to DoT on 9th March, 2017.

Star emerges as the winner of BCCI media rights with Rs 6,138.1-cr bid

The three days (April 3-5) BCCI e-bidding saw much upheaval but at the end Star India has succeeded to retain the global media rights for India cricket with a whopping Rs 6138.1 crore bid. Star India is already the rights holder of IPL matches.

ZEEL to offer in-flight programming at British Airways

The media group ZEEL’s content syndication arm Global Content Hub By Zee and British Airways have reached a deal for in-flight programming. With this deal, Zee shows will be featured on British Airways in-flight entertainment platforms across all its flights from India.

Airtel TV app to offer livestreaming of IPL matches

The subscribers of Airtel TV App will be able to livestream the IPL matches which are staring on April 7. It will be free unlimited streaming of all live matches with the new version of Airtel TV app.

Star agrees to allow DD to air one IPL match per week

The state owned broadcaster Doordarshan has been allowed by Star India (IPL rights holder) to telecast one IPL match per week (every Sunday) with one hour delay. The proposal was sent by the I&B ministry.

Prasar Bharati receives fund post signing MoU with MIB

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has now released the blocked fund of Rs 365 crore to Prasar Bharati after both parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The ministry has allegedly been withholding funds since January 2018.

8 Channels went off air for violations: Rathore

The minister of state (MoS) in the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said in the Rajya Sabha on 4 April that his ministry ordered eight private TV channels to go off air in the last three years for programme and advertisement code violations.

Airtel appoints former NASA executive Santanu Bhattacharya as Chief Data Scientist

To lead its Digital Innovation Lab in Bengaluru, the leading telco Bharti Airtel has appointed former NASA executive Santanu Bhattacharya as Chief Data Scientist. He is expected to accelerate efforts around emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality.

Microsoft to pump in $5 bn in IoT over next 4 years

The software giant Microsoft will invest USD 5 billion over the next four years on Internet of Things (IoT) globally. The fund will be used in research and innovation in IoT.

BSNL adds 12 lakh new customers in 2017-18

Closing of Reliance Communications and Aircel has benefitted not only Jio but also the state owned telecom operator BSNL. The BSNL has added 12 lakh customers throughout the country who opted for portability from other networks to state-owned BSNL in the last financial year.

Aadhaar leak: EPFO discontinues services provided through Common Service Centre

Following fear of Aadhaar data leak, the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on May 2 said it has discontinued services provided t...