DTH now has full freedom keep the competitive price like before NTO. They should utilize it properly to avoid loosing customers.
if DTH operators increase prices, they are likely to lose customers in the urban market for several reasons:
1. High Competition from OTT Platforms
Urban consumers have easy access to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, and JioCinema, which offer on-demand content. A price hike in DTH services may push users toward cheaper OTT bundles.
2. Growth of Broadband & IPTV Services
With the expansion of fiber broadband (JioFiber, Airtel Xstream, BSNL Fiber, etc.), many urban customers prefer IPTV or internet-based streaming, which often includes live TV at a lower cost.
3. Changing Viewing Habits
Younger audiences prefer smart TVs, mobile streaming, and YouTube over traditional TV.
A price increase could accelerate the shift away from DTH services.
4. Cost-Sensitive Consumers
Middle-class households in cities may reconsider premium DTH packs if prices go too high.
They might downgrade to a lower pack or even switch to free-to-air channels.
5. Multi-TV Households Could Cut Extra Connections
Many urban homes have multiple DTH connections. If prices increase, they may remove extra set-top boxes and rely on streaming alternatives.
Conclusion
While rural areas still rely on DTH due to limited internet access, urban users are more likely to shift to OTT or IPTV if prices become unattractive. To retain urban customers, DTH providers must bundle OTT services, offer flexible plans, or provide additional value.