NEW DELHI: High Definition digital cable set-top boxes (STBs) from Cisco are to be rolled out by Gujarat Telelink Private Ltd. (GTPL) in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA).

Ahmedabad-based GTPL, a multi-system operator where Hathway Cable & Datacom has an equal stake, said this move will revolutionise consumer entertainment in the state and enable subscribers to experience superior HD TV along with other services such as DVR (digital video recording), HD gaming, VoD (Video on demand) and future Connected Home services to consumers.

GTPL had acquired a 51 per cent stake in Kolkata Cable and Broadband Pariseva to set foot in West Bengal.

GTPL and Cisco will work together to usher in cable digitisation across the key states of Gujarat, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Assam and Jharkhand to deploy digital STBs, both HD and SD, in these markets.

GTPL managing director Anirudh Sinh Jadeja said: “We see tremendous potential in the eastern region. GTPL-KCBPL has been a very successful joint venture and we have attained a leadership position in Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA) in a short timeframe. Our partners and consumers have shown tremendous faith in us. With the introduction of HD TV, we hope to further enhance consumer entertainment and increase satisfaction. We are proud to be one of the first players to rollout digitalisation in KMA, in line with the digitisation drive by Government of India. And we believe, that with digitisation, our partners and viewers stand to benefit from more opportunities, products and value.”

Sandeep Arora, VP, service provider, Cisco India & SAARC, added: “Our engagement with GTPL has the potential to transform cable industry in India. Cisco offers an End-to-End portfolio of cable solutions - from content acquisition to distribution to consumer TV – and hence is uniquely positioned in the market. In line with our commitment to our customers, we have developed an innovative business model for GTPL, which will allow them to benefit immensely from digitization and offer several new improved services to its consumers.”