Subscriber losses push India’s TV distribution industry towards consolidation as broadband, IPTV gain ground

Mumbai: India’s television distribution industry is undergoing a structural shift towards broadband, IPTV and digital entertainment, causing cable and DTH operators to grapple with subscriber losses to OTT platforms and free-to-air services, and triggering consolidation in the sector.

The trend was underscored by ACT Group’s decision to exit the cable TV business to focus on its core broadband operations. The company, which owns ACT Fibernet, has sold its seven cable television entities to GTPL Hathway for Rs 36 crore. The businesses serve around 600,000 subscribers in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Odisha.