(a) whether the Government propose to provide 40 free channel DTH service ;
(b) if so, the details thereof ;
(c) the name of the channels with whom the Government has signed any contract ; and
(d) the percentage of population likely to be benefited after the implementation of said
proposal ?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND CULTURE (SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY)
(a) & (b): The Government had in November, 2003, permitted Prasar Bharati to use
satellite distribution technology in KU band frequency for Doordarshan`s bouquet of
20 channels and 10 channels of private broadcasters, in free to air mode.
(c) : Prasar Bharati is yet to sign agreement with any private channels.
(d) : KU band transmission signal can be received through out the country except
Andaman & Nicobar islands with a small sized dish antenna system. The project is
expected to meet the requirements of remote and hitherto uncovered areas in specific
states/areas.