Cable is the best way to homes, says Hathway

Venkatachari Jagannathan
24 December 2002

The company is also one of the largest multi-services operators (MSOs) with a presence in nine cities — Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, Nashik, Ludhiana and Vijayawada — wiring 3 million homes.

The MSO has a clutch of entertainment channels like Cine Channel, a movie-based entertainment channel; ITV, a dial-in interactive music channel, and local news channels in Mumbai, Nashik, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

But, due to the non-compete agreement signed with another MSO, Sun Cable Vision (SCV), part of the Sun TV network, Hathway Cable has temporarily shut down its cable TV operations in Chennai. Like Asianet Satellite Communications, Hathway Cable, too, was initially a joint venture company.

In 1998 the Rahejas bought out the Business India group’s stake in the company. Curiously, two years ago, it again became a joint venture outfit with Rupert Murdoch’s Star TV, by acquiring 26-per cent stake in the company for $75 million.

“This alliance will see the launch of enhanced and digital interactive TV all across the country, enabling the subscriber to access world class broadband services and hi-speed Internet on their television sets,” says Karthik Bhaskaran, head, sales, marketing and customer services, south India.

According to him, the highest growth for cable ISPs is in Bangalore. “The strong presence of software-related workforce looking for broadband access is the main reason. Hathway Cable is getting around 150 enquiries daily and the conversion rate is quite good.”