Question : NEW TRANSMITTERS FOR RURAL AREAS

(a) whether two or three Channels of Doordarshan are being directly telecast only in Metros and other big cities of the country;

(b) if so, the reasons for not providing such facility in other rural areas of the country;

(c) whether the Government has any proposal to install new transmitters for telecasting two-three Channels of DD in rural area also;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government has any proposal to reconsider the telecast of free-to-air D.T.H. service due to its expensiveness; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND CULTURE (SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY)

(a) & (b) : Prasar Bharati has informed that Doordarshan channels in satellite mode are available throughout the country. Two terrestrial channels viz. DD-1 and DD News are available to about 90.7% and 45.9% population of the country respectively through a network of 1401 transmitters installed throughout the length and breadth of the country, including rural areas.

(c) & (d) : Multi-channel coverage (33 TV and 12 Radio channels) has been provided in the entire country (except A&N islands) through Ku-band (free-to-air DTH) transmission service. The areas hitherto uncovered by terrestrial transmission have been provided coverage through the Ku Band transmission service.

(e) : No, Sir.

(f) : Does not arise.