History
Tata Sky was a joint venture between the Tata Group and News Corporation, which owned 80% and 20% stakes respectively[5] until 2008, when Singapore-based Temasek Holdings picked up a 10% stake in Tata Play from the Tata Group. Tata Sky was incorporated in 2001, but launched services on 8 August 2006.[6]
Tata Sky's holding company, 21st Century Fox, formerly owned an international group of DTH businesses that include Sky Italia in Italy and Sky UK in the United Kingdom. The company uses the Sky brand under a licence from Sky Group.[7]
Tata Sky partnered with Ericsson to launch the first Video on Demand (VOD) services in India in 2012.[8]
On 9 January 2015, Tata Sky became the first Indian DTH operator to offer 4K set-top-boxes to its consumers.[9][10][11]
On 20 March 2019, The Walt Disney Company completed acquisition of 21st Century Fox, making them their new 30% stakeholder, replacing 21st Century Fox.[12]
On 26 January 2022, Tata Sky changed its name to Tata Play as the company decided to drop the 'Sky' brand name after 18 years.[13]
On 4 September 2022, Tata Sons and the Walt Disney Company India finally agreed to launch an initial public offering (IPO) for the company after multiple failed attempts in 2013, 2016 and 2019.[14] It has been reported that Disney may sell 10% of its current 30% share in order to abide by media cross-holding regulations, which limit broadcasters' equity in DTH companies to 20%.[15][16] However, in December 2022, reports came of Disney completely exiting the company.[17]
On 15 February 2024, it was reported that Disney was in talks with Reliance Industries to sell its 30% share in Tata Play.[18]
In July 2024, Tata Play has expanded its global business reach by partnering with Akash Digital TV in Bangladesh.[19]
