GSAT-24 to improve DTH coverage and quality in India

The GSAT-24 satellite, launched on Monday, is set to provide improved direct-to-home (DTH) coverage and quality throughout India, including the northeast regions and Andaman & Nicobar islands. This was announced by Apurva Chandra, Secretary of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) and Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

The satellite, dedicated to DTH services operator Tata Play, is expected to increase channel carrying capacity and enhance picture quality. Chandra expressed his satisfaction, stating that it has been a long-standing dream to provide all channels using a single satellite for the masses.

Chandra noted that there will be an expansion in coverage, including the areas of Andaman, Nicobar, and the northeast of India. He also praised Tata Play, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for realizing this achievement.

NSIL’s Chairman-cum-MD, D Radhakrishnan, revealed that the company is in discussions with potential customers to book satellite capacity, and a launch may be scheduled between the first and second quarter of next year. Radhakrishnan also mentioned ongoing discussions for additional satellites to be launched in the future.

Tata Play’s MD & CEO, Harit Nagpal, shared that the GSAT-24 satellite will address previous streaming issues and remove geographical barriers. With the new satellite, Tata Play will be able to offer 900 channels, an increase from the previous 600 channels. Nagpal highlighted that the improved bandwidth will lead to higher picture and sound quality, as well as reduced distortion caused by atmospheric disturbances.

NewSpace India Limited, under the Department of Space, conducted the GSAT-24 satellite mission as its first demand-driven mission after space reforms. The 4180 kg satellite operates on 24-Ku band communication and provides pan-India coverage for DTH applications. NSIL has leased the entire satellite capacity to Tata Play. ISP