Category: Broadcast

  • Pakistan is considering talks with Elon Musk’s Starlink amid an internet shutdown

    Pakistan is considering talks with Elon Musk’s Starlink amid an internet shutdown

    With several regions of Pakistan struggle with slow internet and frequent internet outages, the provincial government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is mulling talks with billionaire entrepreneur and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for providing net through his satellite internet service Starlink, reported Geo News.

    The news outlet quoted Shafaqat Ayaz, Special Assistant to KP Chief Minister, who said that aside from Starlink, the government was also examining other options.

    “There is an internet issue in KP, but the reasons behind it remain unclear,” Ayaz stated.

    For months, Pakistani citizens have been experiencing severe problems with the internet. Although officials claim that disruptions are due fault in submarine cables, it is suspected that the country’s government is trying out a ‘firewall’ because of which the internet speeds have drastically reduced.

    Elon Musk recently confirmed that Starlink was awaiting approval from Pakistani government.

    As reported by Pakistani media, the country’s Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has already confirmed that the government was in talks with Musk to introduce Starlink internet in the country. Khawaja said this during a Senate Standing Committee meeting on IT and Telecommunication. Free Press Journal

  • Netflix ISP speed index for december 2024

    Netflix ISP speed index for december 2024

    Five percent of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) saw a 0.2 Mbps increase, 70% remained the same, and 25% experienced a decrease of 0.2 to 0.6 Mbps this month on the Netflix ISP Speed Index, our monthly update on which ISPs provide the best prime-time Netflix streaming experience.

    Three countries and regions were in the top performance tier in December: Hong Kong, Singapore, and Spain all registered an average speed of 3.4 Mbps.

    Two ISPs in Vietnam experienced notable decreases compared to November’s results: Viettel dropped from 3.0 Mbps to 2.6 Mbps, and FPT Telecom fell from 3.0 Mbps to 2.4 Mbps.

    There were a few notable changes in country average speeds this month. Vietnam experienced a decrease of 0.4 Mbps, dropping from 3.0 to 2.6 Mbps. Conversely, Mexico and Costa Rica both saw increases of 0.2 Mbps, rising from 3.0 to 3.2 Mbps.

    The Netflix ISP Speed Index is a measure of prime-time Netflix performance on a particular ISP and not a measure of overall performance for other services or data that may travel across the specific ISP network. Higher Netflix performance generally means better picture quality, quicker start times, and fewer interruptions.
    NewsBit Bureau

  • Prasar Bharati & Adhikari Brothers stitch a strategic alliance to expand content horizons

    Prasar Bharati & Adhikari Brothers stitch a strategic alliance to expand content horizons

    Prasar Bharati, India’s Public Broadcaster, has announced a strategic collaboration with Sri Adhikari Brothers Digital Network Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant milestone in India’s entertainment landscape. As part of this collaboration, Sri Adhikari Brothers premium and diverse range of content will be made available on Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform WAVES as well as on linear television channels. Additionally, this long-term collaboration will focus on co-developing fresh and innovative content tailored to contemporary audiences.

    Under this collaboration, Sri Adhikari Brothers’ popular broadcast channels-Mastiii, Dabangg, and Maiboli-will also be accessible on the Waves , expanding its library with vibrant and diverse content. This integration strengthens Waves’ position as a versatile digital platform catering to a broad demographic with varied entertainment preferences.

    The ethos of this alliance is built on a shared legacy of two iconic Indian media institutions coming together to deliver unparalleled entertainment for audiences nationwide. It symbolizes a reunion of historical allies, combining decades of expertise and commitment to quality content.

    Speaking on the association, Markand Adhikari, Chairman Emeritus of Sri Adhikari Brothers Network, shared: “Gautam (my brother) and I started our career with Doordarshan, and whatever Adhikari Brothers is today is because of the massive reach of Doordarshan. We feel like it’s a homecoming, and I am confident that, once again, we will provide quality entertainment for our audiences. We are proud of our legacy with Doordarshan.”

    Kailasnath Adhikari, Managing Director of Sri Adhikari Brothers, added saying “I have grown up watching Doordarshan and I call it my home. We are filled with nothing but pride and will always put our best foot forward to carry on this association for times to come.”

    This partnership not only leverages Sri Adhikari Brothers’ vast content repository but also emphasizes the collaborative development of culturally rooted, family-oriented, and youth-driven programming, ensuring relevance across generations.

    By blending the legacy of Doordarshan with the modern appeal of Sri Adhikari Brothers, this alliance represents a significant step in enriching India’s digital and broadcast entertainment space. Filmibeat

  • Bengaluru’s Digantara to launch world’s first space debris surveillance satellite

    Bengaluru’s Digantara to launch world’s first space debris surveillance satellite

    Bengaluru-based start-up Digantara is set to launch the world’s first commercial satellite for surveillance of objects as small as 5 cm orbiting the Earth to ensure safer space operations. Surveillance of outer space or situational space awareness (SSA) is important to ensure the safety of spacecraft as orbits around the Earth become crowded with artificial satellites as well as space debris.

    Last month, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had to delay the launch of SpaDeX satellites by two minutes due to congestion in the orbit and the path of the rocket. Even a slight nudge by a piece of debris to a spacecraft orbiting the Earth at over 25,000 km per hour could prove fatal.

    Digantara’s Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) satellite is set for launch onboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission around Tuesday midnight from California.

    “With SCOT, we are taking a crucial step in achieving surveillance superiority, ensuring not only a safer and more sustainable space environment but also towards safeguarding sovereign assets in the face of an increasingly contested space domain,” said Anirudh Sharma, Founder and CEO of Digantara Aerospace.

    SCOT aims to enhance space safety, optimise traffic management and bolster national security initiatives, he said.

    SCOT will be deployed in a sun-synchronous orbit, enabling it to track objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with greater efficiency than existing sensors, which are constrained by weather conditions, geographic limitations and restricted fields of view.

    “Unlike these traditional systems, SCOT offers persistent monitoring of Resident Space Objects, detecting and tracking objects as small as 5 cm,” a company statement said.

    As one of the world’s first commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellites, SCOT is engineered to track Resident Space Objects (RSOs) with unmatched frequency and precision.

    The statement said that in an era where space is becoming increasingly crowded and competitive, SCOT is purpose-built to monitor smaller RSOs, deliver higher revisit rates and provide enhanced tracking accuracy – filling a crucial gap left by current systems.

    The satellite forms a key part of Digantara’s mission to establish a hybrid network of surveillance systems, delivering persistent monitoring of the near-Earth environment to ensure improved safety and the long-term sustainability of space operations. PTI

  • India’s Satellite revolution! what lies ahead?

    India’s Satellite revolution! what lies ahead?

    The future of satellite internet in India is poised for a remarkable transformation, promising more than just technological advancements. This shift could redefine socio-economic structures across the nation, particularly impacting underserved rural areas. Recently, the government announced a paradigm shift in how satellite service licenses would be distributed, shifting from traditional auction systems to a policy-based approach.

    Empowering Remote Areas
    The new strategy highlights a commitment to inclusivity, with an ambitious goal to provide affordable internet access to rural regions. In a country where vast regions have limited connectivity, this could be a game changer. Enhanced satellite internet can open doors to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for millions. Imagine a world where students access global educational resources, farmers receive critical updates, and small businesses reach new markets, all through robust internet connectivity.

    But the shift is not devoid of challenges. With telecom giants like Jio and Airtel—who have invested heavily in mobile networks—facing potential disruption from global players like Elon Musk’s Starlink, the industry dynamics could see unprecedented shifts. The government’s approach may upset traditional business models, leading to fears of monopolistic tendencies unless carefully regulated.

    The Global Race
    Interestingly, Starlink will compete with other international entities such as Amazon’s Kuiper, further intensifying the competition. As companies innovate to meet government mandates on technological viability, consumers might enjoy better services at lower prices. Yet, concerns about service quality and market fairness persist.

    This pivotal moment in India could serve as a benchmark for other nations seeking to enhance internet accessibility, offering valuable lessons in policy-making and technological adaptation.

    Will Satellite Internet Revolutionize Global Connectivity?
    The rise of satellite internet, particularly in India, is raising pivotal questions about its global impact on technology and society. As India transitions to a policy-based system for distributing satellite service licenses, other nations are watching closely. Could this approach set a standard for global connectivity advancement?

    Innovative Possibilities
    This shift promises to blur the lines between urban and rural access to digital services. By fostering competition between domestic telecom giants and international players like Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper, the satellite internet sector could trigger significant technological innovations. However, the race to dominate this market may spark discussions about global tech monopolies. What role will governments play in balancing fair market competition with technological progress?

    Technological and Economic Impacts
    Enhanced access to satellite internet can have sweeping technological implications. For instance, small satellite companies may drive rapid advancements in satellite technology, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Could this lead to a surge in innovation akin to the smartphone revolution?

    Meanwhile, by equipping remote communities with robust internet access, productivity and economic growth could skyrocket. However, skepticism remains about potential downsides. Is there a risk of digital divides widening if these services are not universally affordable?

    Safety and Privacy Concerns
    Yet, as satellite internet becomes more prevalent, privacy and data security emerge as critical concerns. How will companies ensure the protection of user data in this new frontier of connectivity? Will there be international regulations to mitigate risks?

    These developments in India are more than a local story; they’re a harbinger of the global future of internet accessibility, with profound implications for technology, governance, and societal inclusion. For further insights into technological advancements. Reportero del Sur

  • Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform, WAVES, expands its reach by partnering with Jio stores

    Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform, WAVES, expands its reach by partnering with Jio stores

    In a significant move to expand its digital footprint, Prasar Bharati, India’s Public Service Broadcaster, is thrilled to announce the listing of its OTT platform WAVES on Jio Stores, making it even easier for audiences to access high-quality, informative, and diverse content. The Prasar Bharati OTT platform WAVES, which houses a rich repository of content from Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR), will now be available for easy download and access across all Jio devices. This partnership marks a pivotal step in making public service content more accessible to a wider audience, leveraging Jio’s expansive reach and seamless connectivity across India.

    With over one million downloads since its debut, WAVES has quickly positioned itself as a premier destination for Indian audiences, offering a wide variety of new original content across both fiction and non-fiction formats, alongside legacy programming from the Prasar Bharati archives.

    WAVES provides viewers worldwide with an unparalleled selection of Indian entertainment, including fresh originals, live event streaming, documentaries, classic TV shows, gaming, e-commerce, and much more. This ensures diverse, high-quality content for all viewers, catering to people of all ages and interests. The platform’s growing popularity underscores the demand for quality, authentic Indian programming, and the addition of WAVES to the Jio Stores will introduce the WAVES to even more households, amplifying its reach.

    Mr. Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to take WAVES to the next level by making it available to Jio users. The platform has already received a fantastic response, and with Jio’s vast subscriber base, we are excited to introduce our diverse and compelling content, which includes – Nostalgia, Live Channels, Magazines, Photo Albums, etc to even more homes.”

    A Jio spokesperson said, “We are excited to partner with Prasar Bharati to offer WAVES to our users. This partnership offers a wider content offering to audiences at large and ensures that they are able to choose from the best.”

    The inclusion of WAVES on Jio Stores may be seen as a strategic move to not only widen the platform’s reach but also to provide an exciting array of entertainment, reinforcing Prasar Bharati’s commitment to preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage through digital means. Filmibeat

  • As Internet from space becomes more popular, 27,000 satellites in orbit by 2030

    As Internet from space becomes more popular, 27,000 satellites in orbit by 2030

    The race to blanket the Earth in internet-beaming satellites is accelerating, with projections indicating a dramatic increase in the number of spacecraft orbiting our planet. By 2030, estimates suggest that over 27,000 satellites could be circling overhead, driven by ambitious projects from companies like SpaceX, Amazon, and OneWeb.

    This new era of space-based internet promises to revolutionize connectivity, bringing high-speed internet access to even the most remote corners of the globe. However, the rapid growth of these “megaconstellations” also raises concerns about space debris, light pollution, and the potential impact on astronomical research.

    A recent study by McKinsey & Company highlights the dramatic growth trajectory of the satellite market. While initial projections anticipated a steady increase in satellite deployments, the actual growth has exceeded expectations. Launch volumes are already approaching the higher end of projected 2030 figures, with 3,500 to 4,500 satellites launched annually.

    McKinsey’s “Base” scenario forecasts a peak of 5,000 satellite launches in 2027-2028, resulting in a total of 27,000 satellites in orbit by 2030. This scenario assumes that initial deployments will be followed by a steady state of replacements as older satellites reach the end of their lifespan.

    However, the study also explores alternative scenarios. A “low demand” scenario considers the possibility of longer satellite lifespans, leading to a lower replacement cycle and a total of 18,000 satellites in orbit by 2030. Conversely, a “high demand” scenario projects continued growth in deployments, with up to 15,000 satellites launched annually by the end of the decade.

    These projections highlight the dynamic nature of the satellite market and the potential for significant growth in the coming years. The increasing demand for space-based internet, coupled with advancements in satellite technology and launch capabilities, is driving this rapid expansion.

    Potential Benefits:

    • Bridging the Digital Divide: Satellite internet can bring connectivity to underserved communities, including rural areas and developing countries, where traditional infrastructure is limited.
    • Enhanced Global Connectivity: Megaconstellations can provide seamless internet access across the globe, enabling communication and collaboration on an unprecedented scale.
    • Disaster Relief and Emergency Response: Satellite internet can play a crucial role in disaster situations, providing communication lifelines when terrestrial networks are disrupted.

    The rise of internet from space presents both opportunities and challenges. While the potential benefits are significant, it is crucial to address the potential risks and ensure the sustainable and responsible development of this technology. As the space race enters a new chapter, collaboration and careful planning will be essential to harnessing the transformative power of satellite internet while mitigating its potential drawbacks. Cord Cutters News

  • ZEE5 and Jio Studios partner to bring two films on OTT

    ZEE5 and Jio Studios partner to bring two films on OTT

    ZEE5 and jio Studios have announced their partnership, under which people will be able to stream two major films exclusively on ZEE5.

    India’s leading OTT platform ZEE5 and Reliance Industries’ media and content arm Jio Studios have recently announced a partnership. Under this, two much-awaited films, ‘Hisab Barabar’ and ‘Mrs.’ will be streamed exclusively on ZEE5. This partnership is considered to be an important step in the indian entertainment industry.

    ‘Hisab Barabar’ will stream on ZEE5 from January 24 in Hindi, Tamil and telugu languages. The film is a satirical social drama, starring R madhavan in the lead role. The story of the film is based on the struggle of a common man who tries to expose the billion-dollar financial scam committed by a big corporate bank.

    At the same time, ‘Mrs’ is also an emotional drama film, in which sanya malhotra has played the lead role. The film talks about the struggles of a housewife’s life, who is in search of her existence and independence in a traditional family system. Along with social issues, the depth of human emotions will also be seen in the film.

    Talking about the work front, the year 2024 proved to be very good for R Madhavan. His performance in the film ‘Shaitan’ was well-liked by the audience. He was in a negative role in the film. At the same time, his upcoming film is ‘Dhurandhar’. The shooting of the film is currently going on. At the same time, sanya malhotra will soon be seen in ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ and ‘Thug Life’. India Herald

  • Network18 Media reports ₹1,400 crore loss amid Viacom18 merger in Q3

    Network18 Media reports ₹1,400 crore loss amid Viacom18 merger in Q3

    Network18 Media & Investments Ltd on Tuesday reported a loss of ₹1,400 crore in the December quarter while its revenue from operations was ₹1,360.50 crore, which is not comparable with the year-ago period due to the merger of its subsidiary Viacom18 with Star India.

    It reported a ₹25.68-crore profit before exceptional items. However, on a consolidated basis, it faced a loss of ₹1,425.73 crore, due to the derecognition of its subsidiaries, which has been accounted on a provisional basis during the quarter.

    “Accordingly, the figures for the corresponding previous periods are not comparable,” it said.

    On a standalone basis, Network18 Media & Investment’s revenue from operations was at ₹476.41 crore for the quarter and its profit was at ₹3,431.94 crore, helped by exceptional gains.

    It had exceptional gains of ₹3,498.21 crore in the quarter as it accounted for the business combinations relating to the merger scheme of Viacom 18 Media, Digital18 Media, and Star India and conversion of 24.61 crore compulsorily convertible preference shares held by Reliance Industries in Viacom 18 during the quarter resulting into Viacom 18 ceasing to be a subsidiary of Network18 Media & Investments.

    Its “operating revenue for the quarter was ₹476 crore, marginally higher on a year-on-year basis advertising environment continued to be soft, exerting downward pressure on growth,” said Network18 Media & Investments in its earning statement.

    Consumer demand did not witness a meaningful pickup during the festive period, resulting in brands holding back on advertising spends.

    “Advertising volumes for the TV news industry saw a marginal uptick on a QoQ basis but declined 11 per cent YoY, putting pressure on revenue growth. Digital segment continued to see growth in advertising revenue, though on a lower base,” it said.

    Viacom18’s merger with Star India was completed on November 14, creating one of the country’s largest broadcasting and digital streaming companies.

    “Network18 holds 6.3 per cent effective economic interest in the JV through its holding in Viacom18,” it said.

    Commenting on the results, Chairman Adil Zainulbhai said the restructuring of the business is now complete, simplifying the corporate structure for all stakeholders.

    “We are pleased with the progress made on the operating front, especially the manner in which our television network is growing. Having established leadership positions in national markets, we are now focused on select regional markets for driving the next phase of growth. Our digital business is also gaining momentum, and we are harnessing the combined strength of our platforms to deliver a superlative and seamless experience to our consumers,” it said.

    Network18 Media & Investments owns 20 news channels across 16 languages, including CNBC TV18, CNN-News18 and four online platforms, such as moneycontrol, Firstpost, etc.

    Shares of Network18 Media & Investments Ltd on Tuesday settled at ₹61.49 on BSE, up 2.69 per cent. The Hindu BusinessLine

  • India’s wireless data usage per subscriber dips

    India’s wireless data usage per subscriber dips

    For the first time since 2022, India’s average monthly wireless data usage per subscriber showed a slight dip, as per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) performance indicator report. As per the report for July-September 2024, data usage decreased to 21.10 GB per month from 21.30 GB in the previous quarter, a 0.93 per cent decline. The last such a dip occurred in 2022 when data usage was at 17.11 GB in the quarter ending in December, a 0.40 per cent decrease from the 17.18 GB data usage recorded in the previous September ending quarter.

    As per the latest report, total wireless data usage volume decreased by 0.02 per cent from 56,183 PB during the June-ending quarter to 56,174 PB during the September-ending quarter. Out of total data wireless usage, only 2G and 5G data usage increased by 40 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively. 3G declined by 3.3 per cent, and 4G declined by 3.1 per cent. While some experts say the decline may be attributed to the recent tariff hike by telcos, others raise the possibility of whether data usage may have reached a saturation point.

    When asked about the possible cause for this change, Mahesh Uppal, Director of Com First (India), said that the impact on usage may be associated with the recent increase in service rates over the last year. This is in line with Independent telecom expert Parag Kar’s assessment, who associated the decline with the strain caused by recent price hikes. This argument is also in line with the 2022 decline since telcos revised the data plans for 4G and 5G around that time.

    However, Uppal also pointed out another data point to consider which was the increase in the use of wireline data.

    “This number [average wireless data usage] by itself would be an incomplete picture. There is a slow but significant increase in the use of wireline data for particularly heavy users. If you look at the wireline data of the TRAI this month and for the last few months, that is where some of the increase is happening since more people are using fiber. That number is tiny compared to the number of wireless users, but it’s still a visible trend. This would also impact heavier users,” he said.

    By this, Uppal referred to subscriber numbers in the latest TRAI report, which showed that wireline subscribers increased 5.20 per cent over the previous quarter, whereas wireless subscribers declined 1.44 per cent over the previous quarter.

    Meanwhile, Kartik Raja, Founder of Mozark AI digital experience testing platform, raised the question of whether the change in usage should be attributed to data usage hitting peak levels rather than changing subscriber numbers.

    “I’m also very surprised as to why there is a reduction in the data usage numbers. Has this just [number] peaked? Has everything peaked? This may be why even operators are raising prices, because they just find user data usage has probably reached that level of inelastic demand. But that would be just difficult to predict today, right? You’ll have to wait for one more quarter,” he said. The notion of inelasticity of demand for wireless services was highlighted by Kar, as well as a potential hurdle for telcos in the future. The Hindu BusinessLine