Tata Play to raise bandwidth with extra GSAT-24 capacity

GSAT-24 was launched by NewSpace India Ltd as its first ‘demand-driven’ communication satellite mission after the space-sector reforms, leasing the entire capacity on board to the DTH service provider

- Gaurav Laghate

Direct-to-home (DTH) company Tata Play (formerly Tata Sky) is set to expand its bandwidth capacity by 50% by adding 24 new Ku-band transponders on the communication satellite GSAT-24. The increased capacity will allow it to offer more channels and services and better picture quality, MD and CEO Harit Nagpal told Mint.

The satellite was launched by NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) in June last year, to cater specifically to Tata Play's DTH needs. The move was in alignment with the government's ‘Make in India’ vision, showcasing India's prowess in indigenous satellite technology as part of its space reforms. NSIL, incorporated in March 2019, was mandated to undertake operational satellite missions on a ‘demand-driven’ model, in which it has the responsibility to build, launch, own and operate satellites, and provide services to its customers.