Indian DTH Industry Challenges
The Indian DTH industry is facing significant challenges, including a decline in subscriber numbers and concerns over pricing sustainability. Recent studies highlight the impact of the TRAI tariff regime on revenue distribution and the need for regulatory adjustments to address smuggling and subscri...
Declining Subscriber Base
The pay DTH subscriber base has decreased by 1.8 million in Q3, indicating a troubling trend for the industry.
Impact of TRAI Tariff Regime
A study reveals that the TRAI tariff regime has distorted the broadcasting market, shifting 80% of revenue to distributors.
Sustainability Concerns
Industry leaders express that the current pricing trajectory is not sustainable, prompting calls for regulatory changes.
Hybrid OTT Model Emergence
The hybrid OTT model is seen as a catalyst for maintaining TV's central role in Indian homes, according to Dish TV's Manoj Dobhal.
Regulatory Adjustments Needed
Broadcasters are urging TRAI and MIB to tighten STB norms to combat DTH smuggling and improve market integrity.
The study by the Esya Centre highlights that the current NTO and new regulatory framework have introduced a 2-part pricing model comprising a network capacity fee and separate content charges
In an exclusive conversation with e4m, Dish TV CEO Manoj Dobhal said the DTH industry must first stabilise amid subscriber losses and OTT competition before it can return to growth
Industry executives warn that the smuggling of Indian DTH set-top boxes into neighbouring countries has become more organised
Industry experts say that while broadcasters have implemented the price hikes, DTH platforms cannot pass the increases to consumers due to affordability constraints
Guest Article: Ananay Jain – Partner & National Media & Entertainment Industry Leader – Grant Thornton Bharat explore the rising issues in the DTH industry, what changed, and what the future holds
According to latest TRAI data, the total active subscriber base of pay DTH services stood at 50.99 million as of December 31, 2025