The Mumbai-based multiple services operator (MSO) Hathway Cable & Datacom, which is a major player in the cable television market, has signed a deal with Motorola, Bangalore, for sourcing cable modems. This is part of the opeartor’s plans to deliver Internet over the cable to the city.

Under the deal, Hathway Cable will supply its subscribers of the Internet-on-cable, Motorola’s open standard cable modems for Rs.12,000 a piece. Interestingly, the price is Rs.3,000 cheaper than what Hathway Cable is currently charging.

According to Hathway Cable officials, there is still scope to reduce price provided the volumes support the same. The Motorola deal is not restricted to only modems. Says Mr. A.K.Shekar, general manager, Motorola, "We will also later supply set top boxes and addressibility boxes."

Set top box is a gadget that brings Internet on the television via TV cable. Initially supplying only to Hathway Cable, the telecom equipment company will later get into retail sales too, Mr. Shekar adds. And again, it hinges on the volumes.

Meanwhile, Hathway Cable plans to expand its net operations in Chennai. According to officials, the company will soon offer its broadband service in the Mount Road/Anna Salai area, a prime commercial locality- and Kilpauk, an upmarket residential locale.

Currently the MSO has around 300 net subscribers in Chennai with an average revenue per subscriber ranging around Rs.2,500 per month. Hathway Cable has tied up with billjunction.com for online billing of its subscribers. This is in keeping with one of the major customer complaints against the ISP that bills do not reach on time.

In line with its earlier announcement, Hathway Cable plans to tighten its subscriber offerings. The ISP has decided to strictly implement the monthly download limit for its subscribers. "That aside, to address the slow connectivity complaints," says Mr. Praveen Shrikande, chief technology officer, "we will allocate separate bandwidth amongst the different types of subscribers viz., individuals, browsing centres and corporates."

Starting its services with 2 Mbps capacity, Hathway Cable has increased its bandwidth to 6 Mbps. The ISP sources 2 Mbps form VSNL and the balance from a private party. In order to increase its subscriber base Hathway Cable has introduced couple of schemes for its existing customers. Those subscribers who introduce a new member for one year membership are eligible for three year free subscription to `Intelligent Investor'' or `Outlook'' magazine or two audio CD from easybuy music.com. The other cities where Hathway Cable has rolled out its net service are Mumbai (South) and Pune.

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