Airtel Digital TV launches pay for 10months for year

Airtel Digital TV is increasing its number of annual packages, offering discounted rates to keep its subscribers locked long term. The DTH service provider will add eight annual packages, complementing its current Super Value offer of Rs 2600. Says Bharti Telemedia vice president-marketing Sugato Banerji, "Annual packages are increasingly popular with our DTH customers as they see the benefits of price protection for a full year with the added convenience of just a one time recharge. Customers will be able to enjoy 12 months of viewing while making payment for only 10 months." "Apart from consumer benefits, the annual packages will not only bring us assured revenues for a span of 12 months, but will also help in improving our operational efficiencies," Bannerji adds. The annual packages for the new DTH customers are at three different price points - Rs 3450, Rs 4350 and Rs 5450. These will include the installation cost along with 12 months' subscription.

For existing customers, the new packages are at five different price points - Rs 1088, Rs 1265, Rs 1850, Rs 2750 and Rs 3850.

While the Super Value Pack (Rs 1088) will include Sony, Star and NDTV channels, the Economy Pack (Rs 1850) will also include the other GECs like Zee and Colors along with WorldSpace Radio.

Mega Pack (Rs 2750) will include sports channels ESPN and Star Sports. Also in the bouqet will be HBO, MGM, Cartoon Network, Discovery, Travel & Living and Pogo.

The Ultra Pack (Rs 3850) will also include Star Cricket, Zee Sports, Ten Sports, Neo Sports, and other language channels.

"Our subscriber base is nearly one million and our ARPU is in line with the market range," Banerji avers.