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While addressing an informal press meet in Mumbai, Hathway Cable
and Datacom vice-president Neeraj Bhatia claimed: "We are fully
geared up to do justice to our role as service providers that can
deliver appropriate solutions to consumers. We also feel that we
can deliver the solutions within the notified deadline of 14 July
2003."
However, Bhatia admitted: "Time is running out and the onus
is on the broadcasters to quickly announce the prices of the individual
pay channels."
Pointing out that this 'signal' from broadcasters will be a cue
for the cable operators to approach consumer households and initiate
the process of installing boxes, Bhatia added: "The process
will also give us authentic on-ground data on the `demand estimation'
process. Demand estimation is very important in this intermediate
phase. Broadcasters must clearly spell out their pricing plans in
order to enable us to commence the process of approaching consumers.
The earlier they do it, the better."
Since the last two months, Hathway has started working closely
with its technology partners and systems integrators such as NDS
for backend technology; Mindport for billing systems; and Satyam
Computers for software integration.
On 30 April 2003, News Corp technology arm NDS had announced that
Hathway Cable and Datacom has selected its systems to launch the
MSO's conditional access rollout.
NDS is acting as prime systems integrator and technology provider
for Hathway's digital network upgrade and will also oversee integration
of the set-top box, compression systems and subscriber management
systems.
Also read:
Cable industry would
do the trick: Hathway's Neeraj Bhatia
Future belongs to the
consumer: Hathway's Neeraj Bhatia
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