Aditi Singh 
JioStar
The merger between Reliance Jio’s Viacom18 and Star India Private Limited is expected to be finalized this week. Ahead of the merger, a new website has surfaced, which could serve as the future home for a new streaming service that combines JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar—two of India’s most popular platforms. Interestingly, the website is using a domain name that differs from what many had anticipated, sparking discussions on social media.
New Domain Name After the Merger
The upcoming streaming service is speculated to be called Jio Star, with its website live at jiostar.com. The service is expected to launch on November 14, a day after the merger is finalized. Although the site is currently displaying a “Coming Soon” message, it hints that viewers will soon have access to content from both JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar in a single platform.
However, it is important to note that live sports events, including the highly popular Indian Premier League (IPL), are likely to remain exclusive to Disney+ Hotstar. Earlier speculations had suggested that JioCinema might be integrated into Disney+ Hotstar due to the latter’s superior technology, but the new development points to a separate identity for the combined service.
The JioHotstar Name Controversy
Initially, many believed the new service would be called JioHotstar, and a developer based in Delhi even acquired the JioHotstar domain, hoping to sell it to the companies for a profit. This led to significant buzz online. Eventually, two individuals from Dubai purchased the domain, but recently announced they would transfer it to Reliance Jio free of charge.
Despite the earlier domain controversy, the launch of the Jio Star website suggests that the streaming platform has opted for a different domain name altogether.
TRAI’s Upcoming Satellite Communications Recommendations
In other news, India’s telecom regulator, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), is expected to finalize its recommendations on new rules for satellite communications by December 15. These guidelines will play a crucial role in helping the government allocate the necessary airwaves for satellite companies to deliver internet services from space. This could pave the way for improved satellite-based internet access across India, expanding connectivity in remote and underserved areas.
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