ESPN STAR Sports has switched off signals of its channels on cable network operator Hathway Cable and Datacom in parts of Mumbai and Bangalore, owing to non-payment of dues.

For the rest of the country, ESPN STAR Sports channels would go off-air from December 1 on Hathway’s cable network.

“We have been left with no alternative but to resort to this [switching off signals] as Hathway owes us more than

Rs 16.5 crore and have been showing no signs of paying,” said Makarand Palekar, associate vice-president (Affiliate Sales) ESPN Software India.

A Hathway Cable and Datacom senior official said: “They have raised prices and have been putting too much pressure on us.” Hathway declined comment because it “in silent period” concerning its forthcoming IPO.