Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) has announced the withdrawal of existing 5 Happy India packs from 1st August, 2020 which will reduce its bouquet offerings from the existing 29 to 24. Siti Network has started running scrolls on their platform informing their subscribers about the discontinuation of bouquets from SPNI.
The broadcaster is shutting down Happy India 30.5, Happy India 30.5 (A), Happy India 30.5 (B), Happy India Bangla 30.5, and Happy India 58.3 HD. The bouquets were erstwhile known as Happy India 31, Happy India 31 (A), Happy India 31 (B), Happy India Bangla 31, and Happy India HD 59 before the shutdown of Sony MIX, Sony ESPN, and Sony ESPN HD which led to a revision in their prices.
Siti Network in a notice to its LCO partners stated that Sony was discontinuing the above mentioned 5 bouquets from 1st August, 2020 which would lead to a revision in all DPO packages which have these bouquets as part of the offerings. The MSO has also started running scrolls on its platform. The update came courtesy of our community forum member Akash Solanki.
A highly placed source within Siti Network has confirmed to DreamDTH that the withdrawal of these bouquets is on the basis of a letter received from SPNI of shutting down on the said bouquets on all platforms post which Siti Network has informed its partners and customers of the same as per TRAI regulations.
DreamDTH has reached out to Sony Pictures Network India regarding the development. At the time of filing this story, DreamDTH is yet to receive any revert. We will update this space as and when SPNI responds.
The discontinuation of mid-level Happy India Packs is seemingly a move to increase the subscription revenue with customers now having to opt for the Happy India Packs priced at Rs 38.5 if they want a similar replacement for the existing discontinued packs.
Sony Pictures Network India has had to twice revise its bouquet prices to compensate its customers for the shutdown of Sony MIX, Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD, AXN, and AXN HD.
The first instance led to a revision in the price of 24 Happy India Packs between Rs 0.5 – Rs 5.2 due to the shutdown of Sony MIX, Sony ESPN, and Sony ESPN HD. The second instance led to a revision in the price of 14 Happy India Packs between Rs 2.2 – Rs 4.4 due to the shutdown of AXN and AXN HD.
The revision in bouquet prices came due to regulatory compliances which had to be followed which might have burnt a hole in the subscription revenues which are already affected by COVID-19. While the bouquets which are being discontinued only got a minor price cut earlier, the discontinuation is more or less a move to bump up the subscription revenue by killing low entry level bouquets.
How Could They Do This Yaar.This Were The Main Packs Subscribed By Most Of Everyone.Now They Must Have To Decrease The Price Of 38.5 Pack To Atleast 35 Rs.
Latter is unlikely. Former ones being discontinued in the first place to push customers towards 38.5 packs.
This Will Again Led To Price Increase Of Dth Services.They Are Axing Their Own Feet.Nearly 5 Million Have Already Disconnected Their Cables.This Is A Not Good Way Going For TV Industry.All Eyes Are On NTO 2.0.It Has Potential To Decrease The DTH And Cable Prices And Revive The Industry.
That might take time to come. Courts are on a sleep mdoe.
Star was charging more before. People were still paying happily. Plus Sony has universally loved shows and sporting events. True viewers will still opted for the channels even at increased price.
Big 4 will charge more if they win NTO 2.0 case.
I Accept Star Was Charging More But Thats Also Not A Good Thing Na.Follow Someone On The Right Path Not Wrong Path.I Know People Will Pay Sony Because They HAVE to Pay.And No One Will Pay Happily.
Hope NTO 2.0 Is Nicely Established.