The multi system operator (MSO) Wire and Wireless (India) Ltd (WWIL) is planning to invest up to INR 1 billion this tax year, in expectation of the government’s roadmap to digitisation for India’s cable TV infrastructure.

With a target 25-30% revenue growth rate this year, WWIL is planning to install 400,000 set top boxes, as well as adding digital head ends in its network and fund acquisitions – according to Indiantelevision.com.

The Indian MSO’s income from broadcast carriage deals was reportedly INR 1.8 billion in the 2010-2011 financial year.

“Our focus will be on digitalisation, acquisitions and launching of new services for our customers that will give us healthy ARPUs,” Sudhir Agarwal, chief executive officer WWIL, is quoted as saying by the online publication.

In the course of a ‘normal’ year, the MSO would install 200,000 set top boxes – half that expected in the rush to full cable digitisation.

WWIL is reportedly looking at internal accruals to finance the acquisition of small operations, which match its “synergy, strategic and long term goals”.

“We are focusing on strategic acquisition of primary subscribers and also on partnership models. We have planned and are committed to increase our footprint across the country especially in [the] west and south,” Mr Agarwal is quoted as saying by Indiantelevision.com.

The company is also reportedly focussing on fixed line broadband in eastern and northern India, while concentrated on wireless broadband elsewhere in the south Asian nation.

WWIL’s consolidated operating revenue for the 2010-2011 financial year reached INR 3.06 billion - an increase of 12% on the previous year - while net loss fell to INR 659.2 million.













Rebecca Hawkes | 05-07-2011