Tata Play, formerly known as Tata Sky, joined forces with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to launch the GSAT-24 satellite in June 2022. Now, Tata Play said that it is ready to utilize the satellite to provide its users with enhanced picture and sound quality, along with 50% more channels, making it the largest satellite bandwidth provider among all Direct-to-Home (DTH) platforms.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Tata Play’s Broadcast Centre in New Delhi, was attended by dignitaries, including the Secretary of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, who hailed the event as a significant step towards self-reliance in the space and communication sector.
GSAT-24, a 24-Ku band communication satellite built by ISRO, will cater exclusively to the DTH application needs of Tata Play. The satellite’s successful implementation marks a revolution in India’s telecommunications space, driven by cutting-edge indigenous technology.
NSIL, the commercial arm of the Department of Space (DOS), played a pivotal role in the mission’s success, and the satellite’s capacity has been leased entirely to Tata Play.
With this strategic collaboration, Tata Play aims to deliver exceptional services to its DTH subscribers and reinforce its dedication to the “Make in India” initiative.
Commenting on the momentous occasion, Tata Play’s MD & CEO, Harit Nagpal said,
Viewing experience has been Tata Play’s key priority. This collaboration with NSIL will provide our DTH subscribers with an even better video and audio quality and many more channels and services. It also strengthens our commitment to Linear TV in a country where approximately ~140 Mn homes are yet to buy their first TV. We have always delivered all our services on indigenously produced satellites by DOS and this capacity enhancement is a reaffirmation of our commitment to Make in India.
Commenting on the momentous occasion, S. Somanath, Chairman ISRO, said,
GSAT-24 a 4-tonne class communication satellite built by ISRO for providing DTH services, is fully operational at its maximum satellite capacity, following exhaustive in-orbit testing. This momentous achievement signifies a revolution in India’s telecommunications space, driven by cutting-edge indigenous technology. It serves as a tribute to our nation’s aerospace prowess and heralds India’s successful entry into the Demand Driven Mission segment.
Commenting on the momentous occasion, Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director NSIL, said,
GSAT-24 has been the first Demand Driven communication satellite mission undertaken by NSIL post space sector reforms. GSAT-24 satellite is ready to usher in a new era of satellite television for India. As a testament to the success of the Make In India initiative, this satellite would support domestic broadcasting services with advanced digital TV transmission capabilities. Congratulations to the teams of NSIL, ISRO and Tata Play who have collaborated on this successful project.