This is the first time that a MSO is planning to go prepaid. Siti Cable which is one of the biggest MSO in India is looking out for options to go prepaid. Siticable is going to do a pilot test on the viability of this model in Delhi and will also replicated the same pan India. Siti Cable VD Wadhwa said that “What we have seen is that whatever we do in the Delhi market, when replicated outside, works well.”
Siti Cable are looking forward to implement a prepaid model based on local cable operator(LCO) depositing amount to the MSOs and then collecting the money from the customers after recharging. The LCO have been facilitated with subscriber management system so that they can also change the channel packages and switch on or off customers set top boxes in case they default on the payment front.
MSOs have also geared up for the RIO system and has started offering packages for Star channels. The entire cable Tv system is undergoing a paradigm shift and the MSOs have been extremely resourceful in this entire ordeal. MSOs are moving more towards the DTH model and ultimately it would be helpful for subscribers as they only have to pay for channels they watch. Siti Cable are confident that this system will be in place within 3 months and we are sure that other MSOs will follow suit soon.
