Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs) like Tata Sky and Dish TV are reportedly planning to approach the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to seek intervention against over-the-top (OTT) platforms streaming live TV channels. This initiative arises as traditional pay-TV services face mounting pressures from the rapid rise of OTT platforms.
Digitisation has already posed significant challenges for traditional DPOs, and there are growing concerns that allowing OTT platforms to stream live TV could further diminish the relevance of Direct-to-Home (DTH) services. This issue has gained traction as the DTH sector has experienced a sharp decline in subscriber numbers, with 7.6 million subscribers lost in the past three years, according to a report from Storyboard18.
Data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) underscores the industry’s struggles. As of March 31, 2024, the net active subscriber base for Pay DTH dropped to 61.97 million, a decrease from 65.25 million the previous year. The market remains dominated by four key players: Tata Play with a 32.53% market share, Airtel with 28.45%, Dish TV India holding 20.46%, and Sun Direct at 18.57%.
Despite major sporting events like the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which attracted 518 million TV viewers, pay DTH operators still lost 0.66 million subscribers during the October–November festive quarter of 2023. By the end of December 31, 2023, the combined subscriber base of the four private DTH operators further declined to 63.52 million, down from 64.18 million in the previous quarter.
The ongoing transition to digital and OTT platforms presents a long-term challenge for traditional DTH services. Should the MIB not intervene, the ability of OTT platforms to stream live channels could accelerate the decline of DTH subscriptions, raising concerns about the future viability of these platforms in an increasingly digital media landscape.
Key Highlights:
- DPOs’ Action: Tata Sky and Dish TV plan to approach MIB to address concerns over OTT platforms streaming live TV.
- Subscriber Decline: DTH services lost 7.6 million subscribers over three years; current active subscriber base is 61.97 million.
- Market Share: Tata Play, Airtel, Dish TV, and Sun Direct dominate the DTH market.
Future Outlook: Without MIB intervention, DTH subscriptions may continue to decline in the face of rising OTT services.