(4 January 2006 8:00 pm)

MUMBAI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has almost sold out transponder space on Insat 4A. While the 12 Ku-band transponders on the satellite are sold to Tata Sky for direct-to-home (DTH) operations, there are takers for its C-band transponders.

Private teleport operators Essel Shyam, Noida Software Technology Park (NSTP) and Lamhas have booked C-band transponders to facilitate transmission on multiple channels per carrier (MCPC) mode. "Insat 4A's C-band transponders are more or less sold out. Essel Shyam, NSTP and Lamhas have booked a transponder each. Among the other takers are Malayala Manorama which has booked half a transponder," Isro contract management and legal services director SB Iyer tells Indiantelevision.com.

Lamhas is setting up an uplinking facility in Navi Mumbai and plans to offer transponder space as well for those who want to use the facility. Essel Shyam, a joint venture between Essel Group and Shyam telecom, has a teleport in Noida from where the Zee and other channels are uplinked.

Meanwhile, Insat 4A has moved to 81.5 degree East where in-orbit testing of the payloads is being carried out as there is no satellite in that location.

"The testing will be for about 15-20 days before we move it to its final orbital position of 83 degree E. We expect to operationalise the satellite before the end of January," says Iyer.

Isro plans to launch 4B, where the Doordarshan channels will reside, in July-August, he adds.