Update Star, MSOs and the RIO deals

[Akash Modi]

• MUMBAI: Leading national multi-system operators (MSOs) have agreed to put seven Star India channels in their basic pack offering for subscribers while upgrading the others to higher-priced bundles, setting in motion an experiment to drive packaging and raise cable TV bills.
• Triggering the change is a deal that they have signed with Star to source television channels at a la carte rates, with discounts being offered after guaranteeing a minimum level of penetration, channels subscribed and logical channel number (LCN).
• Hathway Cable & Datacom, DEN Networks and Siti Cable are offering Star Plus, Life OK, Star Gold, Movies OK and Star Gold as part of their base pack to offer maximum reach to these channels. While NGC is also in this bundle, the MSOs can change the mix by pairing Star’s regional-language channels in different territories.
• The second-tier pack will have two Star Sports channels, including Star Cricket. The other Star Sports channels, English entertainment and infotainment channels will comprise the third pay pack.
• Unlike Hathway, DEN and Siti, Hinduja Group-owned MSO IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd (IMCL) has opted for four Star channels for the base pack for Mumbai. The rest of the channels will be available on a la carte, the source informed.
  
  
  Read more at: http://www.televisionpost.com/cable/star-msos-and-the-rio-deals/ | TelevisionPost.com

 

[ChaiBiskutBhai]

So there is hope that Hathway users will get all star channels after all. I hope they give all SS in the higher packs.

 

[SUNIEL]

So this is BEECH KA RASTA. good decision by both

 

[DashMajor]

This also shows that overconfidence is dangerous. STAR wants to dominant in the market and wants to ruled out Hathway kinda MSOs but old lion of this business throws a dice like this that even STAR is now affecting from it and if they take their arrogant decision back naturally they will expose in the market too.

 

[NinadG]

There is a mention of only one year for RIO deal by Star. So does that mean Star will test RIO for an year & then decide about future?

 

[DashMajor]

Actually RIO signs in a temporary basis only its having no time limit whenever operator wants they can signs a package deal. dishtv took almost 2 years for STAR SPORTS and within a year they settled with Indiacast. So no time frame as of now made in RIO.

 

[Akash Modi]

Yes
I think of only one year for RIO deal by Star.

 

[NinadG]

Some NGC channels are new & still struggling. Don't know how they will survive in the hands of Star now....
I think that's why Star is giving hugh discount on penetration of NGC channels....