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About

AIDCF

All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) is India’s apex body for Digital Multi System Operators (MSOs).

AIDCF works towards the overall growth of the sector and creates an environment for not only complete digitisation of cable TV under regulatory guidelines but also delivers the benefits of digital services including broadband and other value-added services to the people of India thus fulfilling the dream of ‘True Digital India.’

The federation is the official voice for the Indian digital cable TV industry and interacts with ministries, policy makers, regulators, financial institutions and technical bodies. It also provides a platform for discussion and exchange of ideas between these bodies and the service providers, who share a common interest in the development of digital cable TV in the country.

It also collaborates with other industry associations such as IBF, CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM association etc., with the objective of presenting an industry consensus view to the government on crucial issues relating to the growth and development of the industry.

The members of the federation have a combined market share of > 80%.

Cable TV Industry

Overview of the Broadcasting Sector

The broadcasting sector in India is a diverse and rapidly evolving industry that includes cable television, direct-to-home (DTH) services, satellite broadcasting, and over-the-top (OTT) platforms. With over a billion people, India remains one of the largest media markets globally.

1. Broadcasters: These entities create and aggregate content for TV channels. They can either produce content in-house or acquire it from third-party content producers. Broadcasters operate under licenses regulated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).

2. Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs): DPOs are intermediaries responsible for delivering content from broadcasters to consumers. They include:

  • Multi-System Operators (MSOs): These are large-scale cable TV operators that manage networks of Local Cable Operators (LCOs). Examples include companies like Hathway and Den Networks.
  • Local Cable Operators (LCOs): Smaller cable operators connect directly with consumers at a local level, providing customized packages based on regional demand. LCOs play a crucial role, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where they often have longstanding relationships with subscribers​.
  • Direct-to-Home (DTH) Providers: Companies such as Tata Sky and Dish TV operate satellite-based services, offering consumers a variety of channels and packages directly, without relying on cable infrastructure.

3. Government and Regulatory Bodies: The broadcasting sector in India is overseen by MIB and TRAI.

  • Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB): MIB oversees licensing and content regulation for broadcasters. It ensures that broadcasters comply with content codes and maintains a fair environment for all stakeholders.
  • Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI): TRAI manages tariff regulation, including policies like the New Tariff Order (NTO). TRAI’s interventions aim to foster transparency in pricing, giving consumers more choice and control over the channels they subscribe to​.

4. Consumers/Viewers: As the end-users, consumers play the most crucial role in the broadcasting ecosystem. They seek affordable, customizable, and high-quality options for accessing TV content, whether through cable, DTH, or OTT platforms. Consumers shifting preferences towards on-demand and digital services are driving innovation and competition in the industry​.

Distribution sector will benefit from higher subscription revenues, more efficiencies, better margins, opportunity to sell bundled services and more accurate data collection.try that reaches every corner of the country with content that resonates culturally, educates, and informs.

The cable television industry is a cornerstone of India’s broadcasting sector, playing a critical role in delivering diverse and affordable content to over 200 million households. It operates alongside other platforms like Direct-to-Home (DTH) and Over-the-Top (OTT) services, maintaining a strong presence despite the rapidly evolving media landscape. This robust market presence underscores the cable TV industry’s importance in both urban and rural areas.

1. Digital Transformation

India’s cable TV industry has been significantly shaped by the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and subsequent digitalization mandates. The transition from analog to digital broadcasting, driven by policies such as the Digital Addressable System (DAS), has modernized the sector, ensuring that viewers receive higher quality services. This shift allows operators to offer HD and Ultra-HD channels, interactive features, and Electronic Program Guides (EPGs), enhancing the viewing experience.

Data shows that 98% of urban households now access digital cable or satellite services, while rural areas are catching up rapidly due to government and industry efforts​.

2. Industry Structure

The cable TV industry in India is organized into a layered structure comprising:

  • Multi-System Operators (MSOs): These large-scale operators manage cable networks, distributing signals to Local Cable Operators (LCOs) and directly to subscribers in certain regions. Prominent MSOs like Hathway Cable, Den Networks, and Siti Cable serve millions of customers, primarily in urban and semi-urban areas. MSOs play a critical role in ensuring service consistency, managing infrastructure, and complying with regulatory standards.
  • Local Cable Operators (LCOs): LCOs are integral to the cable TV ecosystem, especially in rural areas. They have strong community connections, offering tailored packages that align with regional preferences. LCOs often serve as the face of the cable industry, providing personalized customer service and maintaining subscriber relationships, which is crucial in markets where customer trust and familiarity matter.

India's LCOs serve approximately 80 million homes, emphasizing their importance in maintaining the reach and accessibility of cable TV across diverse geographies​.

3. Regulatory Framework

The industry is governed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), which implements policies to balance consumer interests, industry growth, and fair competition. A key policy framework is the New Tariff Order (NTO), introduced in phases to provide consumers with greater choice and transparency. TRAI’s regulatory efforts ensure that pricing is transparent, and consumers are not compelled to subscribe to channels they do not wish to view, aligning with global best practices in consumer rights​.

The cable TV industry in India remains resilient and adaptable, evolving with technological advancements and regulatory changes. With its vast reach, local connections through LCOs, and ongoing digital transformation, cable TV continues to be a vital part of the Indian broadcasting landscape, ensuring that millions of households have access to quality, affordable

Vision & Mission

AIDCF envisions a fully connected India, achieving 100% television penetration across 340 million households, with every home accessing dependable, high-quality digital content and broadband services. By fostering a robust and inclusive broadcasting environment, AIDCF aims to expand viewer choice, elevate content standards, and support the growth of local and regional broadcasting, creating a dynamic industry that reaches every corner of the country with content that resonates culturally, educates, and informs.

AIDCF’s mission is to drive the advancement of India’s digital cable and broadband sector by:

  1. Enabling Nationwide Access: Championing the complete digitization of cable and broadband services, ensuring every household across India has equitable access to quality digital content.
  2. Shaping a Digital Future: Collaborating with policymakers and regulatory bodies to shape an industry landscape that supports digital innovation, sustainable growth, and inclusion in the digital economy.
  3. Promoting Standards of Excellence: Setting benchmarks in service quality, transparency, and efficiency that strengthen the digital cable ecosystem and enhance consumer trust.
  4. Empowering Communities: Leveraging technology to bridge digital divides and empowering communities through accessible, relevant, and reliable digital services that improve lives.

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Resources
Members
Joining the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) provides MSOs with several strategic and operational advantages:
 
  1. Industry Influence: As a member of AIDCF, MSOs are part of an influential body representing over 80% of the market share in the digital cable industry. Members can collectively shape industry policies and regulatory frameworks, ensuring a favorable operating environment.
 
  1. National Level Presence: AIDCF’s extensive reach and influence extend across India, allowing it to represent MSOs at a national level. This national presence ensures that members are part of a cohesive and unified body that has a say in the development and future direction of the industry.
 
  1. Regulatory Engagement: AIDCF acts as a collective voice for MSOs in discussions with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Acting as a bridge between its members, AIDCF ensures that the concerns and needs of MSOs are communicated clearly and efficiently. This direct interaction fosters a regulatory environment that aligns with members’ interests and industry goals.
 
  1. Government Engagement: AIDCF’s advocacy efforts extend to both state and central government levels, ensuring that the voices of its members are heard and considered in policy discussions and legislative processes. By having representation at multiple levels of governance, AIDCF ensures that members’ interests are consistently advocated for, leading to more informed and balanced policy decisions.
 
  1. Networking and Collaboration: Members have opportunities to connect with other leading MSOs, broadcasters, and industry experts. This network facilitates knowledge sharing, partnerships, and strategic alliances that drive innovation and business growth.
By becoming a member, MSOs strengthen their position in the industry, gain a competitive edge, and have a say in shaping the future of digital cable services in India.
 
To apply for membership, please click the link below to download the membership form and submit it as per the provided instructions.