(a) whether there is an increase in the applications received by the
Government for uplinking Indian and Foreign channels;
(b) if so, the details thereof including news channels available till
date, and the foreign exchange earned therefrom at the time of uplinking
the channel during the last three years, year-wise, channel-wise;
(c) whether uplinking in the country is cheaper as compared to other
developed countries; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)
(a), (b), (c) & (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK
SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.62 FOR ANSWER ON 18.7.2002
(a) & (b): Uplinking can be done from India or abroad. Details of channels, to whom
permission has been accorded for uplinking from India, before and after July, 2000,
when the uplinking policy was liberalized, is annexed. The Government does not
maintain any database of foreign exchange earned, as a result of uplinking of channels
from India.
(c) & (d): Reliable cost comparisons are not available. However, Indian Broadcasters
uplinking from India do get the advantage of not having to spend on maintaining
offices/personnel abroad only for uplinking purposes.