ISRO Seeking C-, Ku-band Capacity from Foreign Operators
2017-05-15
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) issued a request to foreign satellite operators Aug. 26 for extra C- and Ku-band transponder capacity in Ku- and C-band, due to a shortage of space for HDTV channels.
ISRO currently has 187 transponders from nine Indian communication satellites, including transponder space on its new GSAT-12 satellite. The organization has already leased 86.5 transponders from foreign operators through its Antrixmarketing wing. ISRO also plans to raise its transponder capacity organically by building and launching its upcoming GSAT-9, GSAT-10 and GSAT-11 satellites.
While the Indian government has licensing restrictions on foreign operators, the list of interested broadcasters looking to beam channels into India has grown significantly over the past two years.
Earlier this year, Indian broadcaster Dish TV leased four extra-wide transponders of 54 megahertz on AsiaSat 5 in order to boost its own standard and high definition signals. Tata Sky, a joint venture between Tata Group and News Corp.’s Star Group, has expressed interests to take up 12 extra ISRO transponders for expansion, but ISRO’s restrictions prevent the organization from meeting its demand.
