NEW DELHI, INDIA – 11 JULY 2014: Cisco announced that DEN Networks, one of India’s largest cable TV multi-system operators (MSOs), has selected Cisco® DOCSIS 3.0 technology for the introduction of next-generation cable broadband services in the country. DOCSIS 3.0 is a key component of the Cisco IP NGN architecture, which promises speeds of up to 300 Mbps per subscriber. With the help of DOCSIS 3.0, DEN Networks will be able to deliver ultra-high-speed Internet to deliver more content compared with existing telecom Internet service providers (ISPs).
DEN is a pan-India MSO providing cable television services to 13 million homes in over 200 cities, covering strategically and economically important Hindi-speaking states of the country. The company also offers digital cable TV services in India, using Cisco’s market-leading conditional access and middleware (set-top box software), and presently reaches over six million digital pay-TV homes.
To begin with, DEN soft-launched its ultra-high-speed broadband service in one of its biggest markets and its home base, Delhi [1], and intends to expand the offering to other cities. The adoption of DOCSIS 3.0 is a strategic decision by DEN to provide its subscribers with a seamless online experience with no buffering, lightning-fast downloads and higher-quality video content compared with existing telecom ISPs.
Despite a population of 1.27 billion, according to TRAI’s latest Telecom Performance Indicators Report (October–December 2013), India has only 238.71 million Internet subscribers, out of which 18.33 million subscribers are wired Internet subscribers. The remaining 220.38 million access the Internet though wireless connections like smartphones and data cards. The country’s major MSOs are preparing to capture this wireline broadband market using DOCSIS technology, giving a much-needed boost to broadband penetration in India, with each MSO also aware of the untapped 100 million cable TV homes in India. Therefore, the deployment of DOCSIS 3.0 across its existing cable networks is a significant step by DEN Networks to capitalize on the enormous business potential of the broadband market.
Supporting Quotes
Mr. Mohammad Ghulam Azhar, Chief Operating Officer, DEN Networks Limited:
“We are excited by the high-speed Internet opportunity in India. With this superior technology, we are aiming to provide our broadband subscribers with a fast and consistent online experience.”
Mr. Dinesh Malkani, President, Sales, Cisco India and SAARC:
“Cisco’s vision is to be the leading enabler of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) and broadband acceleration in India through innovative, scalable, high-value technology offerings and solutions. We believe our engagement with DEN has the potential to transform the cable and broadband industry in India by offering high-speed services to millions of subscribers and connecting those who previously were unable to access premium broadband services.”
