Essel Group’s Wire and Wireless is ready to launch its satellite-based digital cable platform Headend in the Sky (HITS) but has not managed to convince broadcasters of STAR DEN — which includes STAR channels and the Network 18 channels— to be part of the new platform.

“We have our backend ready and have several broadcasters on board, however, talks are still on with STAR DEN and hopefully they will come around soon,” said Mr Deepak Chandnani, CEO, Wire and Wireless.

However, according to STAR DEN, broadcasters who would be happy to be on any new platform that brought in additional revenues are waiting for a nod from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for this new platform which is yet to have its policy approved.

“We have written to both the Ministry and the regulator (TRAI) for their stand on the downlinking policy which allows us to be on cable or DTH, but does not cover HITS,” said a senior official from STAR DEN.

In the past, for another new convergent technology IPTV, operators had to withdraw their services due to a lack of clarity on policy issues. With regards to HITS, the TRAI’s recommendations are with the Ministry, which is in the process of finalising the policy.