CQ How do you view the Indian DTH growth in comparison to the rest of the world?
SK DTH industry has shown a phenomenal growth since the time Dishtv was officially launched in India. From just 4 million subscribers in 2007, the industry now stands close to 37 million DTH connections, which is expected to reach 71 million subscriber by 2015 (KPMG estimates). Unlike rest of the world where there are only 3-4 players in the sector, India currently has six private players. Greater reach and innovative services is and will continue to be the key focus to meet the potential of the industry in the times ahead.

CQ Can India accommodate more DTH players?
SK India is already a competitive DTH market with six players in the fray. From only 1 million subscribers in 2005 and Dish TV as the pioneers, the Indian DTH market has undergone a sea change since with entry of new players in the industry. Due top non exclusivity of content, heavy taxation and a small but increasing base, the DTH sector is bleeding till it reaches a critical mass.

Currently the DTH subscribers are about 20% of the 122 m TV households in the country. Given the large regional reach and a healthy demand for premium and value added services, India is likely to continue being a hub for innovative and efficient DTH services.

CQ Is transponders shortage restricting growths ?
SK Indian media space is booming and so is the DTH space. More channels need more transponder space. Being the pioneer and thought leaders, Dish TV has invested in infrastructure and has a definitive edge over the competition with the maximum no. of transponders across 3 satellites.

In 2010, we had signed up a long term contract for additional transponders on Asiasat with 'Antriksh'. The total transmission bandwidth today stands at 648MHz. The new transponders are closely located to the current transponders allowing channels beamed from it to be available to existing customers as well. Today we have over 320+ channels and services in Standard Definition and High Definition on our platform offered to our customers. This substantial increase in capacity over competition is likely to be a game changer for Dish TV in the Indian DTH market.

CQ Do you think Digital Cable can be a major threat to DTH growth?
SK DTH is better geared platform to lead digitization in the country, Today the customer demands quality, value additions and convenience which is what it will get on DTH. Also, HD will be the real game changer and the high definition era has just begun which is delivered only through DTH today.

CQ Strategy for the next five years to bed complete on? Is subsidizing subscriber acquisition still possible in the time of inflation?
SK Over the years, we have learnt and delivered on penetrating markets through innovation in technology and service. We have been ahead of the curve in delivering solutions over these 8 years of our inception.

Dish TV today has an extensive dealer network providing convenience to its subscribers with easy reach and availability. To provide more delight, convenience and power to our consumers, we have aligned with various institutions and mass initiatives like Aadhar wherein dishtv accepts the UID as a Know Your Customer (KYC) validation for address and identity proof. We also recently partnered with Karnatake Government's e-Governance project Bangalore One, which will give our subscribers an easy option to recharge its services.

We will continue working towards bringing in new products, features and services that are unique, which will enhance the viewing experience for our subscribers.

CQ What factors contribute to the success of Dish TV? Kindly elaborate on your value addition services and packages.
SK We have been the first-mover in various aspects in the industry today. We are the first one in DTH industry to offer a landmark 40 High Definition channels and services. Dishtv provides the maximum channel content of 320+ digital channels and services.

We were also the first one to introduce Live Television across the travelling medium. Today, one can view live television on airplanes, trains and moving vehicles through Dish TV's pioneering and advanced technology.

Our active services portfolio boasts of some of the biggest and most commonly used services like ICICI Active, Monster Jobs Active, Shaadi Active, Travel Active and Bhakti Active.
All in all dishtv has always worked towards exploring the technological advancement and make it available to our subscribers.

CQ Is Interoperability still a major issue in DTH?
SK Dishtv will soon roll out 'Dish Freedom', which will enable the DTH consumers to change their existing DTH operators without having to change their DTH boxes. We will look at targeting around six to eight million inactive DTH subscribers of the private direct-to-home operators.