In India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, competition in both cable TV and broadband services is intensifying. One of the country’s leading multi-system operators, GTPL Hathway, has set ambitious expansion goals: 5 lakh new cable TV subscribers and 1 lakh broadband users annually.
The move underlines the company’s confidence in the continued demand for linear television services alongside growing interest in high-speed broadband connectivity, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
GTPL Hathway: A Snapshot
GTPL Hathway is one of the largest cable TV and broadband service providers in India, with a strong presence in western and eastern states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Bihar.
The company operates in:
- Cable TV – Offering digital cable services to millions of homes.
- Broadband – Providing high-speed internet, increasingly bundled with OTT services.
GTPL has built its reputation on affordable packages, regional content focus, and last-mile connectivity in areas often underserved by bigger telecom operators.
The Growth Targets
According to company projections, GTPL aims to add:
- 5 lakh cable TV subscribers per year
- 1 lakh broadband subscribers per year
This translates into 6 lakh new subscribers annually, a significant boost to its already large base.
Why These Numbers Matter
- Cable TV Market Size – India has over 100 million cable households, and despite OTT growth, cable continues to dominate due to affordability and regional content demand.
- Broadband Growth Potential – With government focus on Digital India and increasing internet penetration, broadband remains one of the fastest-growing segments.
Cable TV Still in Demand
While global markets are seeing a cord-cutting trend, India presents a unique scenario. Many households continue to rely on cable TV due to:
- Affordable subscription costs compared to OTT bundles.
- Regional language channels that resonate with local audiences.
- Family viewing habits, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
By targeting 5 lakh new subscribers each year, GTPL is betting that cable TV is here to stay, at least in the medium term.
Broadband: The Future Growth Engine
The demand for high-speed internet has surged since the pandemic, driven by:
- Remote work and online education
- Gaming and OTT consumption
- E-commerce and digital banking adoption
GTPL’s focus on adding 1 lakh broadband users annually shows its intent to strengthen its role in India’s fast-growing home internet market.
The company is expected to expand fiber networks and offer bundled plans with OTT subscriptions to stay competitive with JioFiber, Airtel Xstream, and BSNL Bharat Fiber.
Market Competition
GTPL’s expansion plan comes at a time when competition is stiff:
- Jio and Airtel dominate the broadband segment with aggressive pricing.
- OTT platforms are pulling younger audiences away from traditional TV.
- Regional cable operators still hold sway in smaller towns.
However, GTPL has an edge in localized service delivery and last-mile connectivity, enabling it to penetrate markets where bigger players struggle.
Industry Outlook
1. Cable TV Market in India
- Despite OTT growth, cable TV is expected to retain a strong base in India due to affordability and localized content.
- Growth is expected to be moderate, but operators like GTPL will benefit from consolidation of smaller players.
2. Broadband Market in India
- India’s fixed broadband penetration is still under 10%, leaving significant headroom for growth.
- Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) expansion is expected to accelerate, supported by both private investments and government initiatives.
Challenges Ahead
- OTT Competition
- With platforms like Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and JioCinema, younger viewers are shifting online.
- GTPL must innovate with hybrid packages combining TV + OTT.
- High Capex for Broadband Expansion
- Laying fiber networks in new areas requires heavy investment.
- Partnerships and government support will be crucial.
- Price Wars
- Intense competition in broadband pricing could put pressure on margins.
- Customer Retention
- As options increase, retaining subscribers will require better service quality and value-added offerings.
Strategic Moves by GTPL
To achieve its targets, GTPL is likely to:
- Expand FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) broadband footprint in semi-urban and rural areas.
- Bundle OTT services with cable and broadband packages to appeal to younger customers.
- Leverage regional content partnerships to retain strong cable TV demand.
- Strengthen customer service with digital tools like apps for payments, complaints, and upgrades.
Impact on Consumers
For consumers, GTPL’s growth push could mean:
- More affordable bundled plans for TV + broadband.
- Wider availability of high-speed internet in smaller towns.
- Continued access to regional cable TV content alongside OTT.
This aligns well with India’s digital inclusion goals, ensuring both entertainment and connectivity reach deeper into rural and semi-urban areas.
Conclusion
GTPL Hathway’s ambitious plan to add 5 lakh cable TV and 1 lakh broadband subscribers annually highlights its dual focus on retaining traditional TV users while aggressively expanding in the broadband space.
In an era of shifting viewer habits, GTPL’s strategy reflects a balanced approach: leveraging its cable dominance in smaller towns while tapping into the rising demand for high-speed internet.
If executed well, this growth plan could strengthen GTPL’s position as a key player in India’s digital connectivity ecosystem, bridging the gap between traditional television and the future of broadband-powered entertainment.
The NewsBit Bureau