SPNI settles distribution dispute with GTPL, DEN and Hathway

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has reached an agreement with GTPL Hathway, DEN Networks, and Hathway Cable & Datacom, enabling the reinstatement of its channel portfolio on the operators' cable networks, e4m has learnt through sources.

SPNI disconnected its television channels from major cable television operators GTPL Hathway, DEN Networks and Hathway Cable & Datacom after the parties failed to conclude fresh distribution agreements under the broadcaster's latest Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO), according to industry sources.

All Sony channels went off air on the three cable platforms on June 10, impacting subscribers across multiple markets. 

People familiar with the matter said the disruption stems from disagreements over SPNI's latest RIO and the accompanying interconnection agreement.

Sources on the broadcaster's side claimed the cable operators had not signed the new agreement, while representatives of the cable industry alleged that Sony was leveraging channel disconnections to push consumers towards its streaming platform SonyLiv.

The latest standoff comes close on the heels of Sony's ongoing distribution dispute with Tata Play, a matter that is currently pending before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

What the new RIO says

The broadcaster's Version 25 RIO, effective from April 1, 2026, requires distribution platform operators (DPOs) seeking Sony channels to execute the interconnection agreement strictly on an "as-is" basis. The document states that operators must enter into the agreement without making unilateral modifications and that any signed agreement containing unilateral changes would be treated as void.

The RIO further provides that when Sony publishes a fresh interconnection agreement, earlier agreements automatically become null and void and are superseded by the new framework.

The agreement also explicitly states that operators desirous of obtaining Sony's channels must not be in default of payment obligations to the broadcaster in order to be eligible for execution of the RIO.

In another provision that may have significance in the present dispute, the RIO notes that execution of the new agreement does not amount to a waiver of any outstanding subscription fees under earlier agreements and reserves Sony's right to seek recovery of past dues, including termination of the agreement for non-clearance of such dues.

Mandatory migration to new agreement

The new interconnection agreement contains a specific clause dealing with operators that were previously operating under Sony's earlier RIO Version 24.

According to Clause 13.3 of the agreement, Sony is required to issue a notice at least 60 days before the expiry of the previous RIO and the parties are expected to enter into the new agreement before the earlier arrangement expires. The clause further states that if the parties fail to execute the fresh interconnection agreement before the expiry of the previous RIO, the broadcaster would be entitled to disconnect retransmission of its channels.

Industry executives said this clause is at the heart of the current disagreement, with operators arguing that several provisions of the new framework require further discussion.

New channels and bouquet changes

The latest RIO also introduces a significantly expanded channel portfolio and bouquet structure.

Sony has proposed the launch of several new channels, including Kannada sports channel Sony Sports Ten 4 Kannada, Tamil general entertainment channels Sony Vizha and Sony Vizha HD, and Telugu general entertainment channels Sony Telugu and Sony Telugu HD. The agreement also allows the broadcaster to modify bouquets, discontinue channels or introduce new bouquets during the term of the contract.

Industry observers said the addition of new channels and revised bouquet structures could have implications for subscription economics and packaging strategies across distribution platforms.