MUMBAI: It was an initiative of Maharashtra Cable Operators Federation (MCOF), thoroughly supported by multi system operator (MSO) BR Cable Network, which helped a new model to make in-roads into the cable TV industry in Mumbai.   

It was in May 2014 that the first Cable Virtual Network Operator (CVNO) was launched in the city. It was modeled in a way that the last mile owners (LMOs) could borrow the infrastructure from the MSO, seed set top boxes (STBs) and manage their own subscribers. The CVNO model came up as a response from the LMOs to the MSOs, who were feeling disempowered post digitisation.

While the LMOs across the nation took time to understand the model, seems like CVNO is finally gaining momentum. What started with Mumbai, has already spread its wings in Kolkata, where the LMOs have come together and have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with multi system operator (MSO) Meghbela Cable in order take its infrastructure.

Now, if sources from the cable TV industry are to be believed, the model could be launched in a couple of more states. “And this will be as early as January-February 2015,” the source says. He further adds that states like Bengaluru, Gujarat, Delhi and even Punjab could follow in the steps of LMOs in Mumbai and Kolkata.

“Delhi could lead the way in northern India for the CVNO model, and if things work out as planned, Fastway Network too could face some challenges from the new model,” concludes the industry source.