Indian Cable TV industry is undergoing a major revamp thanks to digitisation and the structural changes MSOs are undergoing. Tony D Silva CEO and MD of IMCL had announced almost an year ago that they will be implementing the prepaid model for Cable TV. It has already equipped the LMOs (Last Mile Operators) with the necessary infrastructure and the expertise needed to implement the same.
The prices for the packs will be decided by MSOs but a PAN India billing system is out of question as the tariffs vary region wise. SITI cable was also looking forward to implement a similar model and let the LMOs buy the packages in advance by opting for a recharge voucher. The pilot test has been successful as around 100,000 subscribers out of the 2.2 million subscribers opted for this option.
Pros and Cons
As with any new thing in the system the Prepaid model will have its own pros and cons for the consumers and the LMOs. Consumers will be benefited as they can pay for the packages they need and will be able to keep a strict leash on their monthly usage. Further if they are moving out of station or not using the services for some time than they can simply stop recharging.
LMOs will have a difficult time in understanding the Modus Operandi and this challenge may also burden the subscribers. The Cable TV in India is an unorganised sector and it is a tad too difficult to induce uniformity.
