Dish TV is planning to introduce a new Android TV-based Set-Top Box to the customers in the next few weeks, confirmed the company's Marketing Head. Back in 2017, Airtel was the first DTH service provider to come up with a hybrid Set-Top Box that offers both Satellite TV and OTT apps. Back then, Dish TV introduced a dongle called DishSMRT Stick with OTT apps pre-installed. However, the country's largest DTH operator is now looking to take on Airtel Digital TV and Reliance Jio by providing a full-fledged Android TV box. That said, the Android TV box from Dish TV may launch before Diwali this year so that the company can grab new users with attractive offers.
Dish TV Android TV Set-Top Box: What We Know So Far?
JioFiber users will get a free 4K Set-Top Box with every plan on a returnable basis. With the 4K Box, users can set up a Cable TV connection and watch Live TV or else they can view OTT apps which come pre-installed. Dish TV wants to provide a similar experience to its users and it can only be done by launching an Android TV-based box. Android TV is the best television platform available right now and almost every TV manufacturer and DTH operator are choosing the same.
Dish TV India Corporate Head (Marketing) Sukhpreet Singh also confirmed that the company is looking to retain its premium segment customers with the upcoming Android TV-based box, so the box may be priced over Rs 3,000 similar to Airtel Xstream Box.
"We are monitoring new technology developments and are responding to these. In the next few weeks, we are going to introduce connected boxes (Android boxes) for the customers who seek new age media entertainment. We also have a smart stick at Rs 599," he added, as reported by PTI.
Dish TV Aims to Upgrade 20% Customers to Android TV Box
Also, the official is referring to multiple Android boxes, but right now, we don't have the exact information. Dish TV is looking to upgrade 20% of its customers to this Android TV boxes in the next 18-24 months. But the PTI report says the official remained silent when asked about the pricing of these Set-Top Boxes from Dish TV.
The Airtel Xstream Box which was launched very recently retails for Rs 3,999, but for the existing Airtel Digital TV HD and SD users, the price comes down to Rs 1,999 as part of an upgrade offer. Dish TV will surely come up with something similar to push the existing users to upgrade to its Android TV box.
Sukhpreet Singh also confirmed that Dish TV's ARPU stood at Rs 116 and it's currently remaining flat, thanks to the new tariff regime by Trai that became effective earlier this year. With the changes proposed by Trai to the tariff regime, we may see subscribers renewing their DTH plans to watch content from Satellite TV again.
