Category: Broadcast

Elon Musk’s Starlink has received government approval to operate satellite internet services in India, two officials aware of the development said.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a letter of intent after the company agreed to comply with licensing conditions critical to national security, one of the officials said.

The approval positions Starlink to join Eutelsat OneWeb and the Jio-SES joint venture in the satellite internet market. The timing is notable, as it comes just a day after the government tightened security norms for satellite internet firms, mandating data localization, lawful interception, gateway security clearance, and local manufacturing requirements.

“As per the process, the company has been issued the letter of intent. They will start preparation to launch its services in the country,” the second official said, adding that there will be demonstrations of its services before giving the final licence.

Starlink had applied for the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence in 2022, a key regulatory requirement for satellite-based communications in India. Additionally, the company will need approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) for its constellation of satellites and the capacity it plans to deploy in the country.

Minister of State for communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said on 6 May that Starlink’s application was in the final stages of approval. Last month, the company’s senior executives met with commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal to seek expedited clearances and outline plans for expanding operations in India.

Meanwhile, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is in the process of finalizing recommendations for allocating satellite spectrum. Once spectrum is assigned, satellite firms will be able to commercially roll out services.

Notably, for Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio, the government had first issued a letter of intent before granting them GMPCS licences to start satellite communication services.

As part of its rollout strategy, Starlink will now need to set up earth station gateways–ground-based facilities that connect satellites to local networks, a critical component for internet connectivity.

In March, SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, tied up with Bharti Airtel and Jio Platforms, India’s largest telecom operators, to potentially distribute Starlink equipment through their retail stores and offer services to business customers, schools, and health centres.

Globally, Starlink operates the world’s largest satellite constellation, with over 6,750 satellites in orbit.

Telecom operators that previously resisted satellite-based players to limit competition are now exploring collaborations with Starlink, reflecting a shift in strategy amid growing demand for reliable connectivity.

Analysts say Starlink’s entry could help bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural areas where internet access remains limited.

“Forty percent of India’s population does not have internet access, with rural areas comprising the majority of these cases. This represents a large market opportunity for Starlink,” brokerage Bernstein had noted in a report dated 4 March. LiveMint

World Athletics has signed a three-year agreement with beIN MEDIA GROUP for the global sports, entertainment and media group to have exclusive rights to broadcast the World Athletics Championships in 24 countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The agreement will run until 2027 and see beIN SPORTS, the group’s flagship sports channels, broadcast 12 events.

Under the agreement, beIN will broadcast an exciting line-up of competitions, which started with the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25 in March. It is followed by the World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25 from 10 to 11 May 2025. Fans can also look forward to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, from 13 to 21 September 2025.

In 2026, beIN will continue to deliver a packed calendar of world-class competitions, including premier athletics events such as the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, USA, the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland, the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, USA, and the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark. beIN will also broadcast the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships and the World Athletics Relays in 2026, before returning to China in 2027 with the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Yangzhou and the World Athletics Championships in Beijing.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said: “We are delighted to have beIN SPORTS as our exclusive broadcaster for World Athletics Series events in the Middle East and North Africa. BeIN is renowned worldwide for the quality of its sports coverage and can help athletics reach new and existing fans in key markets for us in Africa and the Middle East. We look forward to working with them to bring our World Athletics Series events to the MENA region for the next few years.”

Mohammad Al-Subaie, CEO of beIN MENA, said: “Securing the rights for the World Athletics Championships across 24 countries in MENA is another significant strategic achievement for beIN and one that reinforces our commitment to providing world-class coverage of diverse sports to our extensive regional audience. We now look forward to working with World Athletics to bringing the excitement of athletics directly to new and current athletics fans throughout the region.” World Athletics

Fox News Media is projecting half a billion dollars in revenue this fiscal year for its non-cable TV businesses, Trey Gargano, executive vice president of ad sales said in a rare interview about the company’s financials.

Why it matters: Fox has been insulated from some of the viewership challenges plaguing its competitors in the streaming era, but its efforts to diversify away from cable will make its brand even less vulnerable to cord-cutting long term.

• “We see on digital that our audience is an average of 30%-50% younger than those watching linear television in general,” Gargano said.
• The projection includes revenue from all of its products outside of linear television, including podcasts, books, streaming and digital channels.
• Gargano noted these businesses have collectively seen double-digit growth every year since 2020.

Zoom in: Fox News Media’s push to diversify started in 2018 when its newly named CEO Suzanne Scott began to introduce new digital lifestyle products across platforms. Many of those products focused on digital video and streaming, specifically.

• In 2018, the company launched Fox Nation, a subscription streaming service focused mostly on lifestyle and entertainment content. CEO Lachlan Murdoch recently said the service has 2 million to 2.5 million subscribers.
• On Tuesday, Fox Nation announced its first-ever streaming bundle with SiriusXM, a testament to the appeal of its audience to other subscription media companies.
• It introduced Fox News International, a live streaming service for its Fox News and Fox Business linear networks for overseas users in 2020, and Fox Weather, an ad-supported streaming service, in 2021.

Between the lines: The company has also added dozens of audio products, including new podcasts from its biggest on-air personalities, that are available free with ads, a spokesperson confirmed.

• In 2020, it debuted its imprint, Fox News Books, which has sold over 3 million copies across 14 titles, mostly authored by Fox talent.

Follow the money: The growth of its cross-platform products has allowed Fox News Media to develop a more integrated ad sales strategy, which has helped lure over 200 new advertisers to its platform since the election, Gargano said.

• Conversations with advertisers have shifted to be about the Fox News Media platform as a whole, “and in most instances, ways advertisers can do more than just run spots,” he said.
• One area where he sees growing advertising opportunity is social media, which has traditionally been tougher for publishers to monetize. “We’re looking at ways to sort of authentically bring in advertisers to this huge and growing relationship that we have with consumers on social media.”

Reality check: A huge driver of Fox News Media’s cross-platform strategy has been building new digital lifestyle products for its linear talent to reach younger consumers.

• The vast majority of Fox News’ cable stars host a podcast or Fox Nation show, and/or have authored a book via Fox News’ imprint.
• For example, “Fox & Friends First” co-host Carley Shimkus published “Cooking with Friends” in 2023 through Fox News Books. Steve Doocy and Ainsley Earhardt host bible study and cooking programs, respectively, on Fox Nation.

Zoom out: While Fox News’ subscription streaming and book businesses present significant growth opportunities, Gargano said the majority of its digital business revenues are coming from advertising.

• The growth of premium video on its website, combined with Fox Weather’s ad-supported platform, have created opportunities for Fox News to begin selling connected TV ads to marketers looking to extend their campaigns beyond linear television, Gargano said.
• Other digital properties also provide unique marketing opportunities, he noted. While Fox Nation doesn’t include ads, some of its editorial franchises have helped create new opportunities for sponsors. The Fox Nation Patriot Awards, for example, includes sponsorship integrations on-site at the event.

The big picture: Every cable news company is scrambling to diversify its business away from linear television, but few are as far along as Fox News Media.

• CNN, under its new CEO Mark Thompson, plans to introduce a new cross-platform streaming service this year as part of a broader effort to introduce more subscription and lifestyle products.
• MSNBC has launched ticketed events for hyper-fans around the country, but it hasn’t yet launched its own standalone streaming service.
• CNBC debuted a standalone streaming service, CNBC+, earlier this year.

What to watch: To date, Fox News Media hasn’t focused as much on commerce as a significant revenue driver, but the company is looking to do more there, Gargano said.

• For now, most of its commerce opportunities are based around product integration within its flagship cable news morning program, “Fox & Friends.

Axios 

According to new guidelines by the Department of Telecommunications, satellite internet services providers such as Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio will have to submit a yearly plan to the government showing how they will gradually increase local manufacturing of ground segments of their satellite network in the country.

The government has asked companies looking to provide satellite internet services in the country to target at least 20% indigenisation of the ground segment of their satellite network within five years of beginning commercial operations in the country.

“The licensee, in the format prescribed, will submit to the licensor a year-wise phased manufacturing programme aiming at indigenisation,” DoT said in the guidelines.

The government wants to reduce reliance on foreign technology and boost local manufacturing through this requirement. Ground segment involves gateways, antennas, terminals, etc.

The new guidelines are incorporated into Chapter XII of the Unified License (UL) Agreement for the provision of GMPCS (global mobile personal communication by satellite) service.

In a bid to tighten security norms, DoT said such companies, which acquire the GMPCS licence, would require security clearance for specific gateway or hub locations in the country.

The gateways are essential for the provision of satellite communication services as they serve as the connection point between satellites and the local telecom networks. These hubs process and route the data transmitted via satellite to users on the ground.

“Given their (gateways) critical role in handling sensitive communication traffic, securing these installations is vital to national security,” a government official said, adding that a fresh set of guidelines was required, given that many global companies are looking to enter the country.

Monitoring activity
As per the guidelines, the companies will be required to provide monitoring and lawful interception at the gateway or point of presence. This means that the government wants to ensure that these satellite service providers can help monitor and intercept communications when legally required, just like regular telecom operators.

“Essential functionalities like Lawful Interception facility, monitoring/ control facility of user terminals, user data traffic routing, control of equipment in Gateway routing data traffic, etc., of the Network Control and Monitoring Centre (or equivalent facility) shall be located in India,” DoT said in the new guidelines.

NCMC is a centralized facility used by satellite communication providers to manage, control, and monitor their satellite network operations.

Currently, the government has approved the application of Bharti Enterprises-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio, whereas companies such as Elon Musk-owned Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper and Globalstar are waiting for regulatory clearances.

The government has asked the companies to implement service restriction/ denial to any individual, group of subscribers or certain geographical areas during hostilities or under cases as informed by the law enforcement or security agencies.

“The licensees shall ensure the accuracy of geo-fencing in case of debarred areas and also reshape footprint patterns near border areas to avoid spillovers (to neighbouring territories),” DoT said.

Additionally, the government will define special monitoring zones within 50 km of international borders and along coastal areas (up to 200 nautical miles into the sea). These zones will be monitored by designated law enforcement and security agencies to keep track of user activity for national security purposes.

Data localisation
One of the key conditions which the government requires the operators to follow is the localisation of data. “The Indian user traffic shall not be routed through any Gateway/PoP (point of presence) located abroad or any space system, which is not part of satellite/constellation used for providing service,” DoT said, adding that the licensee will have to submit an undertaking that it shall not copy and decrypt the Indian telecom data outside India.

To comply with data localisation, the government wants companies to ensure that the data centre is based within India’s geographical boundary and shall make provision to provide Domain Name System (DNS) resolution within India’s boundary.

The government said that the location of its user terminals or any other sensitive information pertaining to the user shall not be visible or accessible at any location abroad.

Further, operators are asked to seek separate clearance (from a security angle) for voice and data services, fixed location services (no mobility/ limited mobility), and mobility (full)- based services.

Additionally, the operators seeking the licence are asked to submit a confirmation that no surveillance activity can be carried out with the satellite constellation.

The companies will have to ensure that websites blocked in India are also blocked through satellite internet services. They will also have to facilitate metadata collection by the Telecom Security Operation Centre (TSOC) under DoT, according to the guidelines.

Notably, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is currently finalising the contours of the satellite spectrum allocation. LiveMint

Dish has just announced it has reached an agreement with Mereo Network to sell its fiber business for an undisclosed sum. The move is meant to boost Dish’s efforts to continue to deploy its 5G network, which proves to be a challenge.

Owned by Echo Star, Dish Network also owns Boost Mobile prepaid carrier, which benefits the most from the national 5G network that Dish has been trying to deploy for the last couple of years.

Dish Network’s fiber business was relatively small but enticing enough for Mereo Networks to want to acquire it. According to the latter, Dish Fiber is present in 33 US states and serves around 25,000 residential units.

On the other hand, Mereo Networks had more than 55,000 connected residents, and it’s been considered one of the largest bulk service providers with strategic partnerships in 23 states across the country.

With the acquisition of Dish Fiber, Mereo now serves over 80,000 residential units and increases its footprint to 37 states. Overall, this seems like a very good deal for Mereo, even though the money it paid to acquire Dish Fiber hasn’t been disclosed yet.

As part of the deal, Mereo Networks announced that it will rebrand as Mereo Fiber, which will probably make more sense for what this company strives to do: deliver high-performance fiber connectivity.

As per Mereo’s announcement, customers, property owners, and partners of both companies can expect “a seamless transition and a greater focus on delivering cutting-edge fiber solutions to high-density communities.”

For the unaware, Mereo Fiber is backed by Macquarie Capital, WaveDivision Capital and Freedom 3 Capital since November 2023. PhoneArena

USA, New Jersey- According to Market Research Intellect, the global Pay TV Video Encoders market in the Internet, Communication and Technology category is projected to witness significant growth from 2025 to 2032. Market dynamics, technological advancements, and evolving consumer demand are expected to drive expansion during this period.

The market for pay TV video encoders is expanding significantly due to the rising demand for premium video streaming services. The demand for cutting-edge video encoding technology to guarantee effective data transfer and high-quality video has increased as customers continue to seek flawless and exceptional watching experiences. The growth of the digital ecosystem and the emergence of over-the-top (OTT) platforms are driving the uptake of pay TV services. The need for advanced encoding techniques that preserve quality while using the least amount of bandwidth is being driven by the growing trend toward 4K and even 8K resolution material. Innovations in cloud-based video encoding and transcoding are also helping the business since they give service providers flexibility and scalability. It is anticipated that this continuous development will quicken the market’s growth in the upcoming years.

The market for pay TV video encoders is expanding due to a number of important considerations. Demand for effective encoding systems that can produce excellent video quality while lowering latency and bandwidth consumption has increased as a result of the move towards high-definition and ultra-high-definition video content. Because OTT platforms and live streaming services need dependable and scalable encoding solutions to fulfill rising user expectations, their quick adoption is therefore very important. Furthermore, the need for sophisticated video encoders is increased by the growing demand for adaptive bitrate streaming, which modifies video quality based on network conditions. Furthermore, technical advancements like AI-based encoding are improving performance, facilitating quicker processing times, and lowering service providers’ operating expenses. All of these factors work together to support the market expansion for pay TV video encoders.

Market Growth Drivers-Pay TV Video Encoders Market:
The growth of the Pay TV Video Encoders market is driven by several key factors, including technological advancements, increasing consumer demand, and supportive regulatory policies. Innovations in product development and manufacturing processes are enhancing efficiency, improving performance, and reducing costs, making Pay TV Video Encoders more accessible to a wider range of industries. Rising awareness about the benefits of Pay TV Video Encoders, coupled with expanding applications across sectors such as healthcare, automotive, and electronics, is further accelerating market expansion. Additionally, the integration of digital technologies, such as AI and IoT, is optimizing operational workflows and enhancing product capabilities. Government initiatives promoting sustainable solutions and industry-standard regulations are also playing a crucial role in market growth. The increasing investment in research and development by key market players is fostering new product innovations and expanding market opportunities. Overall, these factors collectively contribute to the steady rise of the Pay TV Video Encoders market, making it a lucrative industry for future investments.

Challenges and Restraints-Pay TV Video Encoders Market:
The Pay TV Video Encoders market faces several challenges and restraints that could impact its growth trajectory. High initial investment costs pose a significant barrier, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to enter the industry. Regulatory complexities and stringent compliance requirements add another layer of difficulty, as companies must navigate evolving policies and standards. Additionally, supply chain disruptions, including raw material shortages and logistical constraints, can hinder market expansion and lead to increased operational costs.

Market saturation in developed regions also presents a challenge, forcing businesses to explore emerging markets where infrastructure and consumer awareness may be lacking. Intense competition among key players further pressures profit margins, making it crucial for companies to differentiate through innovation and strategic partnerships. Economic fluctuations, geopolitical instability, and changing consumer preferences add to the uncertainty, requiring businesses to adopt agile strategies to sustain long-term growth in the evolving Pay TV Video Encoders market.

Emerging Trends-Pay TV Video Encoders Market:
The Pay TV Video Encoders market is evolving rapidly, driven by emerging trends that are reshaping industry dynamics. One key trend is the integration of advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and IoT, which enhance efficiency, performance, and user experience. Sustainability is another major focus, with companies shifting toward eco-friendly materials and processes to meet growing environmental regulations and consumer demand for greener solutions. Additionally, the rise of personalized and customized offerings is gaining momentum, as businesses strive to cater to specific consumer preferences and industry requirements. Investments in research and development are accelerating, leading to continuous innovation and the introduction of high-performance products. The market is also witnessing a surge in strategic collaborations, partnerships, and acquisitions, as companies aim to expand their geographical footprint and technological capabilities. As these trends continue to evolve, they are expected to drive the market’s long-term growth and competitiveness in a dynamic global landscape.

Competitive Landscape-Pay TV Video Encoders Market:

• The competitive landscape of the Pay TV Video Encoders market is characterized by intense rivalry among key players striving for market dominance. Leading companies focus on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their market position. Continuous research and development investments are driving technological advancements, allowing businesses to enhance their offerings and gain a competitive edge.
• Regional expansion strategies are also prominent, with companies targeting emerging markets to capitalize on growing demand. Additionally, sustainability and regulatory compliance have become crucial factors influencing competition, as businesses aim to align with evolving industry standards.
• Startups and new entrants are introducing disruptive solutions, intensifying competition and prompting established players to adopt agile strategies. Digital transformation, AI-driven analytics, and automation are further reshaping the competitive dynamics, enabling companies to streamline operations and improve efficiency. As the market continues to evolve, business

Pay TV Video Encoders Market -Regional Analysis
The Pay TV Video Encoders market exhibits significant regional variations, driven by economic conditions, technological advancements, and industry-specific demand. North America remains a dominant force, supported by strong investments in research and development, a well-established industrial base, and increasing adoption of advanced solutions. The presence of key market players further enhances regional growth.

Europe follows closely, benefiting from stringent regulations, sustainability initiatives, and a focus on innovation. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK are major contributors due to their robust industrial frameworks and technological expertise.

Asia-Pacific is witnessing the fastest growth, fueled by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing consumer demand. China, Japan, and India play a crucial role in market expansion, with government initiatives and foreign investments accelerating development.

Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are emerging markets with growing potential, driven by infrastructure development and expanding industrial sectors. However, challenges such as economic instability and regulatory barriers may impact growth trajectories. openPR

Democratic Republic of Congo said on Friday it had become the latest African country to grant a licence to tech billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink and that the company would begin operations soon.

A unit of SpaceX, the satellite internet provider is rapidly expanding its services on the continent and is live in more than a dozen countries. It was granted licences by Somalia and Lesotho in April.

War-torn Congo has low connectivity, with just around 30% of the population using the internet as of 2023, according to the International Telecommunication Union.

The government had previously resisted allowing access to Starlink, with military officials warning it could be used by rebel groups including Rwandan-backed M23, which has seized more territory than ever before in the east of the country this year.

In March 2024, the Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority said use of Starlink was banned and violators would face sanctions.

The same entity announced on Friday that the company had been given a licence and “will proceed with the launch of its services in the coming days.”

Starlink is also trying to establish a presence in neighbouring Uganda. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Tuesday that he had a productive meeting with Starlink representatives. Reuters

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday addressed key issues shaping India’s media landscape, including the need for clear regulations on the ethical use of artificial intelligence and measures to promote locally produced content through incentives.

Chairing the Global Media Dialogue at the World Audio, Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, he stressed the importance of local content production, and collaboration between the government, industry and creators for greater focus on local stories.

“As a government, we must provide a fair chance for everyone to showcase their story to the world. We must incentivise local content promotion and enforce IP framework among other things,” Vaishnaw said.

The session was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Minister of State for I&B L Murugan.

The minister also underlined the need for policies that preserve and promote all cultural forms as they connect people across borders. “Focus is shifting towards local stories. We aim to build people-to-people and country-to-country exchanges. Tie-ups with government, industry and creators have, therefore, become indispensable,” Vaishnaw said. He further called for practical measures such as co-production treaties to ease licensing and talent movement, the creation of joint funds for emerging technologies, and the establishment of shared standards, and clear rules for ethical AI.

WAVES summit
The WAVES summit is taking place from May 1-4. The summit aims to boost India’s media and entertainment industry by fostering international collaborations, investments, and content co-creation opportunities. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit at the Jio World Convention Centre, stating that the event showcases a “true wave of culture, creativity, and universal connection”.

“In the coming years, the creative economy can increase its contribution to India’s GDP…Today, India is emerging as a global hub for film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, music and live concerts…This is the dawn of the Orange Economy in India,” PM Modi said. Business Standard