Mumbai: Tata Play (formerly known as Tata Sky) collaborated with NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd) and launched GSAT-24 satellite in June 2022, aligned to the Government’s Make in India vision. Tata Play will commence the use of this satellite, now in its orbital position, starting today. The increased bandwidth will enable Tata Play to provide its users with an even sharper picture and sound quality, and an ability to carry 50 per cent more channels while becoming the largest satellite bandwidth provider among all DTH platforms.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Tata Play’s Broadcast Centre in Chhatarpur, New Delhi. On the occasion, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting secretary Apurva Chandra expressed his happiness and said, “Congratulations to DoS and Tata Play for successfully commissioning GSAT-24. This event unlocks one more step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and self-reliance in the field of space and communication.”
Present at the event, ISRO chairman S. Somanath 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."
NSIL chairman & managing director Radhakrishnan Durairaj added, "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."
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."
GSAT-24 is a 24-Ku band communication satellite launched by the Government of India only to cater to the requirement of Tata Play’s DTH application needs. NSIL, incorporated in March 2019, is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Space (DOS) and is the commercial arm of DOS. The entire satellite capacity on-board GSAT-24 is leased to its committed customer Tata Play.
