NEW DELHI: After multi system operator (MSO) Hathway Cable and Datacom launched DOCSIS 3.0 technology in October 2013, it is now DEN Networks that has selected Cisco’s DOCSIS 3.0 technology for its newly launched broadband service in India.
DOCSIS 3.0 is a key component of the Cisco IP NGN architecture, which promises speeds of up to 300 Mbps per subscriber. With this, the MSO will be able to provide ultra-high-speed internet to deliver more content as compared to the existing telecom Internet service providers (ISPs).
DEN currently reaches out to 13 million homes in over 200 cities. The MSO also offers digital cable TV services in India, using Cisco’s conditional access and middleware (set-top box software) and presently reaches over six million digital pay-TV homes.
To begin with, DEN soft-launched its ultra-high-speed broadband service in one of its biggest markets and its home base, Delhi, and intends to expand the offering to other cities. The adoption of DOCSIS 3.0 is a strategic decision by the MSO to provide its subscribers with a seamless online experience with no buffering, lightning-fast downloads and higher-quality video content compared with existing telecom ISPs.
Despite a population of 1.27 billion, according to TRAI’s latest Telecom Performance Indicators Report (October–December 2013), India has only 238.71 million Internet subscribers, out of which 18.33 million subscribers are wired Internet subscribers. The remaining 220.38 million access the internet though wireless connections like smartphones and data cards. The country’s major MSOs are preparing to capture this wireline broadband market using DOCSIS technology, giving a much-needed boost to broadband penetration in India, with each MSO also aware of the untapped 100 million cable TV homes in India. Therefore, the deployment of DOCSIS 3.0 across its existing cable networks is a significant step by DEN to capitalise on the enormous business potential of the broadband market.
DEN COO Mohammad Ghulam Azhar said: “We are excited by the high-speed internet opportunity in India. With this superior technology, we are aiming to provide our broadband subscribers with a fast and consistent online experience.”
Cisco India and SAARC president, sales Dinesh Malkani added: “Cisco's vision is to be the leading enabler of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) and broadband acceleration in India through innovative, scalable, high-value technology offerings and solutions. We believe our engagement with DEN has the potential to transform the cable and broadband industry in India by offering high-speed services to millions of subscribers and connecting those who previously were unable to access premium broadband services.”
