MUMBAI: Hathway Cable & Datacom is expanding its cable TV network in the northern region through the acquisition route. After buying a controlling stake in two local cable TV networks in Chandigarh and Mohali, the multi-system operator (MSO) is expanding its footprint in Kanpur.

Hathway has acquired 51 per cent equity in JMD Sherawali Network, a leading cable operator in Kanpur, for an undisclosed amount.
"By reaching out to Kanpur, it will be an important start for us into the core Uttar Pradesh market. JMD Sherawali Network has a 60 per cent market share in Kanpur. We have bought 51 per cent stake in the network," said Hathway Cable & Datacom CEO and MD K Jayaraman.
The MSOs are selectively expanding their cable networks. Last year, rival MSO Siticable bought out Indian Cable Net from the RPG Group to become the dominant MSO in Kolkata. Hathway has swung into action this year with the first acquisition made in February.

With this acquisition, Hathway will be operating its cable TV services in 14 cities. Hathway's cable TV is already available in cities across the nation including Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Pune, Nashik, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ludhiana, Vijaywada, Jalandhar and Mysore. The MSO is currently offering digital cable services in New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Besides the analogue business, Hathway is also making efforts to rolout its digital services. The MSO will be launching gaming on its digital cable TV services by April-end. For the gaming technology, Hathway has selected NDS. Though available free, the commercial launch is likely to take about a month.

“The gaming feature will be available to all our digital customers initially on a free of cost basis from end of April. Many more games will be added in the course of the year," said Jayaraman.