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February 6, 2007
An Interview with Mr.J.Buhari who runs the Sunshine Cable TV Network in Kayalpatnam
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Kayalpatnam.com>When was Sunshine Cable Network started in Kayalpatnam?
Mr.J.Buhari>In April 1996
Kayalpatnam.com>How many cable operators are there in Kayalpatnam?
Mr.J.Buhari>There are 5 cable operators in Kayalpatnam. We provide the feed to all of them
Kayalpatnam.com>What are the monthly subscription charges?
Mr.J.Buhari>It is Rs.120 per month
Kayalpatnam.com>For a new connection, what are the initial charges?
Mr.J.Buhari>Installation charges vary according to the distance from our hub. It will normally be
about Rs.200
Kayalpatnam.com>How many channels you provide to your subscribers?
Mr.J.Buhari>We provide about 43 channels. We use 6 dishes to receive the signals
Kayalpatnam.com>You also provide feed to some neighbouring towns. Don't you?
Mr.J.Buhari>Yes, our signals are distributed within Kayalpatnam through Co-axial cables and
to Authoor and Mookani through Fibre Optic cables
Kayalpatnam.com>Channels like MTV and Jetix are being provided too. They are controversial
for their content.
Mr.J.Buhari>The channels are being provided based on the demand. There are lot of demand for
these channels - equalling those who oppose it. For example, there are many who say they are able to make their
children eat - only if the Jetix (children's channel) channel is on. People can use certain features in
their Television set - like child lock and skip to block certain channels.
Besides, when we buy a channel for distribution, we are also charged for some other channels. That is,
due to tie-ups, the channels are made available to us as a group (combined package). It would be a waste of
money if we block certain channels after paying for them
Kayalpatnam.com>For news in English, you are providing only NDTV. Why aren't other channels not
being provided (like Al-Jazeera in English, BBC, CNN-IBN)?
Mr.J.Buhari>Since most of them have become pay channels, the cost will go up if we add them to
our service list. Our customers are not willing to pay additional money
Kayalpatnam.com>How much does it cost to add a new channel to your service?
Mr.J.Buhari>The hardware cost alone would be about Rs.7000 per new channel (not including the
new dish antenna and pay channel charges - if they are required)
Kayalpatnam.com>There are many kayal-based channels being provided. How is that done?
Mr.J.Buhari>The content for those channels (IIM Tv, Muhyideen Tv, Itv) are generated by the providers
themselves. They send the signal to us through Cable. We charge them a monthly fee for this service
Kayalpatnam.com>What is the size of your technical/customer support team? How does one contact
you in case of problems?
Mr.J.Buhari>Our staff strength is about 6 people. Our contact numbers are (91-4639) 283 230, 284
450, 320 030. Mobile number is (91) 98437 00950
Kayalpatnam.com>Do you plan to add any new channels in future?
Mr.J.Buhari>It is difficult for me to commit. As of now, there are no plan to add any new channels
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