Anil Ambani group’s Reliance BIG TV Ltd DTH service might be shutting down its operations soon. The decision is probably due to the failed merger attempts with Sun Direct. This report is on the basis of a public notice that came in a regional newspaper.
“Reliance Big TV limited users are hereby informed that our licence is going to end on November 18, 2017 , 23.59 hours. Our DTH services all over india will be shutting down wef 18 November. In order to continue enjoying their favourite channels, subscribers are requested to find alternative service in the meantime. We regret the inconvenience caused.” – Reliance Big TV Ltd.
This notice appeared in more than one regional newspapers and was given by authorized signatory of Reliance. This news hasn’t been confirmed yet by any other sources. However, an official spokesperson responded to an enquiry that the company will respond soon.
During the past few weeks, subscribers have noticed certain channels disappearing from their service. Even the calls to customer care are either getting disconnected. Sometimes you will hear a pre-recorded message saying calls cannot be attended due to emergency conditions.
Launched back in 2008 as Reliance Big TV, which got later renamed as Reliance Digital TV, acquired over 5 million subscribers till date. However, due to the heavy debt owed by the parent company RCom, Big TV couldn’t afford the spectrum and other expenses. Recently Antrix Corporation, which is the commercial wing of ISRO has warned Big TV of suspending the services if the dues amounting Rs 7.5 crore are unpaid. Currently, the MEASAT 3 leased by ISRO is being shared by Reliance Digital TV and Sun Direct. Post-shutdown, Sun Direct may take over the released bandwidth.
RCom shares have plunged down to an all-time low since the merger with Aircel failed. At present RCom’s total debt amounts to Rs 46,000 crores and the company is planning to reduce it by selling real estate as well as tower and fibre business. Meanwhile, another successful merger between Videocon DTH and Dish TV will happen by the end of 2017. Hope the article was informative, Peace!