The DTH industry has grown from 1.5 million homes in 2005 to 23 million today. By 2012, the number will double, making India the world’s largest DTH market.
With an upfront cost of around Rs 1,500 and monthly subscription fee of Rs 150, it is an affordable service for the mass consumer.
With half a dozen players competing, it is penetrating the remotest places where neither public television nor cable network has penetrated.
As a consequence of rock-bottom pricing to attract customers, the DTH service providers are suffering losses. The industry is expected to turn profitable at the net-profit levels only by the last quarter of 2011-12.