Hathway
Hathway is an Indian cable television, digital television and broadband internet service provider.
Last updated August 22, 2026
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Overview
Hathway is an Indian communications and media-distribution brand operated by Hathway Cable & Datacom Ltd. Based in Mumbai, the company provides cable television, digital television and broadband internet services, primarily through cable and fiber-based networks in Indian cities. It is associated with the development of India’s cable television and cable-internet markets and has historically operated as a multi-system operator, aggregating and distributing television programming through local cable networks while also offering retail broadband connections. The company was formerly known as BITV Cable Networks. Hathway acquired Business India Television (BITV) Cable Networks Pvt Ltd in 1999, a transaction that helped establish the Hathway identity in the Indian cable and television-distribution sector. The business later developed beyond conventional analog cable distribution into digital cable, high-definition television and interactive set-top-box services. Hathway is credited with being among the first Indian companies to deliver internet access over a cable television network and with launching a digital cable platform in 2006. Its broadband arm, Hathway Broadband Internet, became one of the early cable-based internet service providers in major Indian urban markets. Hathway’s television activities have included digital cable distribution, high-definition channels and digital video recording. In 2009, the company introduced a digital video recorder service powered by NDS XTV, making it one of the earliest Indian digital cable operators to offer DVR functionality. It subsequently introduced HDTV services in cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Indore and Kolkata, followed by expansion into Gujarat and Odisha. Its HD DVR platform initially carried eight high-definition channels, later expanding its channel line-up. The company also expanded through investments, partnerships and regional operations. In the 2000s, Hathway held interests in cable-network businesses including Bhupendran Bhaskar Multinet and Gujarat Telelinks Pvt Ltd. Hathway GTPL entered Assam through an arrangement with V&S Cable Pvt Ltd in 2011 and expanded in West Bengal through the acquisition of Kolkata Cable & Broadband Pariseva Ltd, creating the GTPLKCBPL subsidiary for that market. These activities reflected the structure of India’s cable industry, in which national or regional multi-system operators worked with local distribution networks. Reliance Industries became Hathway’s controlling shareholder after announcing the acquisition of a 51.34% stake in October 2018. The Competition Commission of India approved the transaction in January 2019, and Reliance acquired a further 20.61% through an open offer in March 2019. Reliance’s total holding consequently rose to 71.95%. The acquisition placed Hathway alongside other Reliance-backed digital and media assets and strengthened its position within the group’s broader connectivity and entertainment strategy. Hathway continues to offer cable television and broadband connectivity in India. Its broadband network has used DOCSIS 3 technology in selected cities and fiber infrastructure for higher-speed services. The company reported a maximum fiber speed of 300 Mbit/s in 2024 reference material. Its customer base includes television subscribers and broadband users, although the exact composition and totals vary by reporting period. Hathway’s current identity is therefore rooted in the combination of legacy cable distribution, digital television, urban broadband and integration with Reliance Industries’ wider communications ecosystem.
History
Hathway’s history is closely connected with the evolution of India’s cable television, multi-system-operator and broadband industries. The company operated under the name BITV Cable Networks before acquiring Business India Television Cable Networks Pvt Ltd in 1999 and developing the Hathway identity. Its early business was based on cable television distribution, a sector that depended on networks of local cable operators to connect households with television programming. During the early 2000s, Hathway became one of India’s prominent multi-system operators. The company competed with other large cable-distribution groups and worked through regional interests and affiliated network businesses. Its operations included the distribution of television channels and the development of infrastructure capable of supporting digital services. By 2003, Hathway was regarded as one of the country’s larger MSOs, alongside businesses associated with the Hinduja, Essel and other major Indian groups. Hathway also played an important role in the early use of cable infrastructure for internet access. Hathway Broadband Internet was among India’s first cable internet services and operated in urban markets including Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Bhopal, Lucknow and Kolkata. The use of a television cable network for broadband allowed the company to build on existing last-mile infrastructure rather than relying solely on traditional telephone networks. Hathway is described as the first Indian company to provide internet through a CATV network and as an early cable internet service provider. The company moved into digital television during the 2000s. It launched a digital cable platform in 2006, helping shift its television business away from analog distribution. It later introduced high-definition services in a series of Indian markets. HDTV operations began in cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Indore and Kolkata in the second half of 2011, with subsequent expansion into Gujarat in 2013 and Odisha in 2015. Hathway’s HD DVR set-top box initially offered eight HD channels, with the number increasing over time. Interactive television became another part of the company’s development. On 12 March 2009, Hathway launched a digital video recorder service powered by NDS XTV. The DVR service allowed the operator to offer more than basic linear channel distribution and represented the growing role of set-top boxes as consumer devices for recording and managing television content. Hathway expanded its regional footprint through stakes, joint ventures and acquisitions. Reference material records a 51% interest in Bhupendran Bhaskar Multinet and a 50% interest in Gujarat Telelinks Pvt Ltd in 2007. Hathway GTPL entered Assam in 2011 through an arrangement with V&S Cable Pvt Ltd. In West Bengal, the acquisition of Kolkata Cable & Broadband Pariseva Ltd led to the creation of GTPLKCBPL, a subsidiary focused on the state’s cable and broadband operations. A major ownership change occurred in 2018. Reliance Industries announced the purchase of a 51.34% stake in Hathway for ₹2,940 crore. The Competition Commission of India approved the deal in January 2019. Reliance then acquired a further 20.61% through an open offer in March 2019, bringing its total holding to 71.95% and making it the controlling shareholder. The transaction placed Hathway within Reliance’s broader communications and media portfolio. In its current form, Hathway remains focused on cable television and broadband connectivity in India. Its network has used DOCSIS 3 technology in selected cities, while fiber deployment has supported higher broadband speeds. Reference material identifies a maximum fiber speed of 300 Mbit/s in 2024. The company’s continuing relevance comes from its combination of established cable infrastructure, digital television capabilities, broadband services and access to the resources of Reliance Industries.
- 2019
Reliance becomes majority owner
[1]Following regulatory approval and an open offer, Reliance’s holding increased to 71.95%.
- 2018
Reliance announces controlling investment
[1]Reliance Industries announced the acquisition of a 51.34% stake in Hathway.
- 2015
HDTV reaches Odisha
[1]Hathway expanded HDTV availability into Odisha.
- 2013
HDTV reaches Gujarat
[1]Hathway expanded its HDTV service into Gujarat.
- 2011
HDTV and regional expansion
[1]Hathway expanded HDTV services across several Indian cities and entered Assam through a Hathway GTPL arrangement with V&S Cable Pvt Ltd.
- 2009
Digital video recorder service launched
[1]Hathway introduced a DVR service powered by NDS XTV on 12 March 2009.
- 2007
Regional cable interests documented
[1]Hathway held reported interests in Bhupendran Bhaskar Multinet and Gujarat Telelinks Pvt Ltd.
- 2006
Digital cable platform introduced
[1]Hathway launched a digital cable television platform, marking a shift from conventional analog cable distribution.
- 1999
Acquisition of BITV Cable Networks
[1]Business India Television Cable Networks Pvt Ltd was acquired by Hathway, supporting the company’s development in India’s cable television sector.
Products and positioning
An Indian urban connectivity and entertainment-distribution provider combining cable television, digital TV and broadband internet, with a heritage in multi-system cable operations and ownership by Reliance Industries.
Cable and fiber broadband
Hathway Broadband Internet
Hathway Broadband Internet is the company’s fixed internet offering. It originated as one of India’s early cable-internet services and was offered in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Bhopal, Lucknow and Kolkata. The service has used cable technologies including DOCSIS 3 in selected cities and fiber infrastructure for higher-speed connectivity. Reference material identifies a maximum fiber speed of 300 Mbit/s in 2024.
Digital television · 2006
Hathway Digital Cable
Hathway Digital Cable is the company’s digital television distribution service. Introduced after the company’s earlier analog cable operations, the platform distributes television channels through digital set-top boxes and has supported the transition of Indian cable households toward digital delivery.
High-definition television · 2011
Hathway HDTV
Hathway HDTV provides high-definition television channels through compatible digital set-top boxes. The service was introduced across major Indian cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Indore and Kolkata, and later expanded to Gujarat and Odisha. Its HD channel line-up grew from an initial eight channels.
Digital video recording · 2009
Hathway DVR
Hathway DVR was an interactive television service that enabled customers to record and manage television programming through a digital set-top box. The service was powered by NDS XTV and represented Hathway’s move beyond one-way channel distribution toward more interactive digital television functionality.
Brand decisions
2019
Reliance increases ownership through open offerM&ABackground
After acquiring a controlling stake, Reliance Industries proceeded with an open offer for additional Hathway shares.
Action taken
Reliance acquired an additional 20.61% stake through an open offer valued at ₹1,180.42 crore.
Aftermath
Reliance’s total ownership reached 71.95%, establishing it as Hathway’s controlling shareholder.
Open-offer consideration for additional 20.61% stake. ₹1,180.42 crore (March 2019)
2018
Sale of a controlling stake to Reliance IndustriesM&ABackground
Hathway operated as a major Indian multi-system operator with cable television and broadband activities. Reliance Industries sought to expand its communications and media-distribution presence through an investment in Hathway.
Action taken
Reliance Industries announced the acquisition of a 51.34% stake in Hathway for ₹2,940 crore.
Aftermath
The Competition Commission of India approved the transaction in January 2019. Reliance subsequently acquired another 20.61% through an open offer in March 2019, increasing its total holding to 71.95%.
Acquisition consideration for initial 51.34% stake. ₹2,940 crore (Announced October 2018)
Recent events
- 2019
Competition Commission of India approves Reliance’s Hathway acquisition[1]
M&A · Regulation
India’s competition regulator approved Reliance Industries’ acquisition of a controlling interest in Hathway, clearing a major regulatory step in the transaction.
- 2019
Reliance increases Hathway holding through open offer[1]
M&A
Reliance Industries acquired an additional 20.61% stake in Hathway through an open offer, raising its overall holding to 71.95%.
- 2018
Reliance Industries announces acquisition of controlling stake in Hathway[1]
M&A
Reliance Industries announced that it would acquire a 51.34% stake in Hathway Cable & Datacom for ₹2,940 crore. The transaction was intended to expand Reliance’s presence in cable distribution and broadband connectivity.
- 2011
Hathway expands HDTV service coverage[1]
Product launch · Product generation
Hathway launched or expanded HDTV services across several Indian cities, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Indore and Kolkata. The service later reached Gujarat and Odisha.
Sources1 sources
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