Kerala Vision has redefined the survival story of small enterprises. What began as an organisation for the welfare of local cable TV operators has grown into a professional corporate venture rooted in cooperation. By crossing the milestone of ₹1,000 crore in revenue, it has carved out a distinctive ‘Kerala Model’ — now seen as a blueprint for collective growth in the country.
It is often the case that small and medium-sized enterprises lose ground when larger corporations tighten their grip on a sector. Some respond by taking the path of protest, raising legitimate demands for survival. Others recognise that the only way forward is to transform themselves into corporate entities capable of competing on equal terms. In Kerala, the Cable TV Operators’ Association has shown how this can be achieved by creating a new model rooted in cooperation.
By forming corporate companies built on this principle, the association has worked to safeguard the welfare and survival of its small shareholders — and it has done so in a sector where technological excellence is critical.
Today, Kerala Communicators Cable Limited (KCCL), born out of this collective spirit, ranks fourth among multi-system operators in the country with more than 3 million connections. Alongside it, Kerala Vision Broadband Limited (KVBL), an internet service provider delivering high-speed connectivity to even the remotest corners of the state, stands sixth among more than 1,500 providers nationwide, with over 1.2 million connections. Together, the combined revenue of these two companies has recently surpassed the ₹1,000 crore mark.
The Cable TV Operators’ Association (COA) was established in 1996 as a collective of small, local cable operators in Kerala. It emerged at a time when larger companies had secured rights to lay cables through electric posts and paid channels had to be purchased at steep prices. The association was formed to raise its voice against such policies and regulations that threatened the very survival of smaller players.
Over time, it became clear that there were limits to what protest alone could achieve. Recognising this, the COA decided to create a company founded on cooperative principles — one that would ensure the welfare of all its members while allowing them to grow their businesses in a sustainable way. Even before this step, the COA had drawn up a clear constitution and organisational framework to guide its activities.
“The business model of cooperative corporates is recognised across the world. These are professional companies run by everyone, for the welfare of everyone. It was this philosophical foundation that the COA provided to the parent company, Kerala Communicators Cable Limited (KCCL),” explains K. Govindan, chairman of Kerala Vision Group of Companies.
KCCL’s journey began modestly, with limited technical infrastructure and small contributions pooled from its members. Very few shareholders hold more than one per cent of the company’s equity, yet from the outset KCCL distinguished itself by embracing change. It was among the first to introduce new technologies into Kerala’s cable television sector, backing this with strong technical infrastructure and a professional workforce.
“We manage our professionals in the same way a corporate company would. Under the leadership of executives such as the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer and Technical Head, more than fifteen departments and 500 employees function under the Kerala Vision group of companies,” explains K. Govindan.
According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, KCCL now serves close to 3.7 million connections. From its base in cable television, the company expanded into internet services — a natural next step. In 2016, after KCCL’s remarkable success, the association set up a separate company for this sector, appointing a board of directors led by K. Govindan as managing director. This became Kerala Vision Broadband Limited (KVBL), which today has more than 1.2 million connections across the state. Importantly, KVBL has played a transformative role in carrying internet access into rural homes, bridging the digital divide in Kerala.
For Malayalis, Kerala Vision is part of daily life, keeping households updated with local and regional news while also delivering government announcements accurately. At the same time, it brings a full range of news and entertainment channels to viewers, with COA’s member-operators carrying the service to the doorstep of every home across Kerala.
With satellite channels, terrestrial broadcasts and nearly a hundred local channels, Kerala Vision has built a powerful network that has earned it a place as the brand of choice for Malayalis.
What began as a cable network has since grown into an alternative media movement. By providing professional training to local channels, Kerala Vision has raised standards while also introducing the latest technologies to cable operators, empowering them to compete on par with larger players. Its strength lies in the blend of quality content, strong technical infrastructure, deep connections with households and professional excellence. And as the Kerala Vision group of companies continues to grow, the benefits flow directly to the small operators who form its backbone.
At the heart of the Kerala Vision group of companies are its ordinary cable operators, the very shareholders who provide the funds that keep the enterprise growing. What sets the group apart is its leadership’s commitment to continuous learning. Association leaders, company heads and professionals regularly visit national and international expos, studying global trends in depth and quickly adapting new technologies to suit local needs.
This culture of constant innovation has been crucial to the Kerala Vision success story. Today, the Cable TV Operators’ Association (COA) is led by President Praveen Mohan and General Secretary Suresh P. B., under whose guidance the group is expanding its horizons.
At the recent global investors meet conducted in the state, Kerala Vision launched two projects: an underground fibre cable network running from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, and a new venture in the tourism sector. Both underline a bold ambition; Kerala Vision is no longer confined to the state. It is growing beyond its borders with a clear mission: to spread the ‘Kerala Model’ of protecting small businesses in the digital cable TV sector across the country.
Kerala Vision has taken a bold leap in digital entertainment with Kerala Vision Extra Entertainment (KEE OTT), a platform that brings together around thirty OTT services in one place. From Jio and Hotstar to Manorama Max, Zee5, Sony Liv and Sun NXT, all are available right on the home screen.
In addition to this wide range of platforms, KEE OTT also offers IPTV and live TV, making it a truly versatile service. The mission is to use the latest technology to deliver multi-faceted entertainment to people across every section of society.
Also in today’s world, digital transformation is vital for the survival of businesses. Kerala Vision is now positioning itself as a company that can deliver complete digital infrastructure for institutions of every kind — from shopping malls to schools and colleges.
To drive this, a new division called Total Service Provider (TSP) has been created. Its role is wide-ranging: from surveillance systems to data centres and cyber security, and from call centre facilities to audio-visual systems and integrated building management. Put simply, TSP is designed to give organisations all the digital tools they need to operate smoothly and securely under one roof.
The roots of Kerala Vision’s journey go back to Wayanad, where small cable TV operators first came together at the district level to secure their survival — the first such initiative in the country. Leading this effort was K. Govindan, who saw the need to empower local operators so they could stand strong when challenges arose.
The Wayanad model soon inspired other districts, which went on to form their own companies. From these beginnings grew the idea of launching a state-level initiative, one that ultimately became Kerala Vision.
Today, Kerala Vision chairman K. Govindan outlines not only the achievements of the group but also its future plans, as the organisation expands its presence beyond Kerala and aims to take its cooperative corporate model nationwide.
The Cable TV Operators’ Association (COA) was born out of resistance. It was formed to raise its voice against government decisions and regulations that threatened the very survival of small cable operators. Members believed the only way to withstand the entry of large corporates and the rapid changes in technology was to move forward together in partnership rather than compete against each other.
In Wayanad, operators organised at the district level and, for the first time in the country, created an alternative movement in this sector. By 2002, the COA had a formal constitution in place and began conducting training programmes to make local channels more professional in both content and technology.
Out of the conviction that survival in this industry required a corporate structure rooted in cooperative principles, the decision was made to build such a company. In 2006, the task was entrusted to Nasser Hassan Anwar, a visionary organiser and former COA president. He became the first chairman of Kerala Communicators Cable Limited (KCCL), with K. Govindan appointed as managing director. Thus, KCCL came into being — a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter for Kerala’s cable TV sector.
The funds were raised entirely from the company’s own shareholders. No large sums were taken from outside, and only a handful of shareholders hold more than one per cent of equity. When KCCL was formed, it did not have access to cutting-edge technology.
However, when the country began its transition to digital TV networks in 2012–13, KCCL was quick to introduce the necessary equipment and technology in Kerala. By adapting to change at the right time, the company now holds 65 per cent of the state’s cable TV market, making it the largest multi-system operator in Kerala. Nationally, KCCL ranks fourth among digital cable television providers.
The greatest strength of KCCL lies in its more than 6,000 local cable operators, all of whom are deeply connected at the grassroots level. The company also operates with a clear organisational framework and a high degree of transparency.
Regional television networks highlight local issues, keep people informed and often intervene in areas such as health and education. The strong branding of Kerala Vision has further accelerated KCCL’s growth. In addition, effective systems are in place to resolve customer complaints and problems quickly, which has strengthened trust and loyalty.
The journey began under KCCL itself, when internet services were first introduced. Later, this was spun off into a separate company named Kerala Vision Broadband Limited (KVBL), in which KCCL continues to hold 50 per cent of the shares.
It was a natural progression from being a multi-system operator to entering the internet services sector. Today, KVBL has provided more than 1.2 million broadband connections across Kerala. With around 1,500 internet service providers in the country, KVBL currently stands sixth on the list.
Kerala Vision follows a cooperative corporate business model that is recognised globally and often cited as a sustainable development approach. In Kerala, we have demonstrated that even in the face of large corporates entering the market and rapid technological change, small businesses offering digital cable TV, internet services, satellite channels, business connectivity and value-added services in information and entertainment can not only survive but also thrive when they work in an organised way. This is what we call the ‘Kerala Model’. Our goal now is to take this model nationwide.
We have already expanded operations to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and West Bengal, and are now moving into Mumbai. In these regions, we will operate through joint ventures. Our long-term vision is to grow across the country. Alongside this, we have also launched a new vertical this year under the banner of Total Service Provider, further strengthening our ability to deliver integrated digital solutions.
