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Dish TV, ICICI launch interactive banking service

Indiantelevision.com Team

(7 October 2008 5:00 pm)

MUMBAI: DTH operator Dish TV and ICICI Bank have launched an interactive banking service ICICATIVE. This will enable Dish TV customers to access information on ICICI products and services.

Information that will be available will include product features, EMI amount on various loans, documentation, time needed for processing a request, etc. There will also be a toll free customer service number displayed on the screen.

Dish TV COO Salil Kapoor says that the deal allows them to bring a value added service in the banking arena. “Our aim is to take viewer engagement to a new level. We also have an Astro channel for Astrology. We will shortly be launching a matrimonial channel in association with Shaadi.com. We have done interactivity around news and sports. Right now we have 3.94 million customers. Our aim is to take this to five million by March 2009.”

Dish TV plans to increase its channel offerings from 225 to 400 within a couple of years. “With Tam introducing measurement for digital platforms, broadcasters now know what reach they get. Niche channls especially get better representation on digital platforms which is why are able to charge carriage fees. Our expectation is that with other DTH service providers coming in, there will be 33 million DTH homes in 2012. Our advantage is the level of service provided to the customer. We have a presence in 5400 locations across the country. Our aim is to expand in tier two and three towns and cities.”

This is why the DTH operator started the concept of Dish Shoppees, targeted at youngsters who want to start a business and be franchisees of Dish TV.

"The cost here is low while the returns are high," says Kapoor. "What the franchisee has to do is have retail space and also ensure that collections come in regularly. Dish TV will help with the branding. Right now there are 240 shops of this nature. The aim is to at least double this by March."