[SatNews] In a posting from NewsTonight, the ISRO has initiated a RFP...
This Request for Proposal from the Indian Space Research Organization was created to obtain feedback from global satellite operators for the leasting of satellites, as well as for transponders operating in Ku- and C-band frequencies. This decision was the result of a major Ku-band transponder shortage, which the Indian DTH industry now faces as they sought to add channels and provide HD services. Earlier this year, the market leader, Dish TV said it will be using four 54 MHz Ku-band transponders on AsiaSat 5 to enhance its HD and SD offerings. The additional transponder capacity on AsiaSat 5 will enable Dish TV to significantly increase its DTH offerings to more than 30 HD and 320 SD channels". Hence, Tata Sky, which is a joint venture between Tata Group and Rupert Murdoch's Star Group, wants to have 12 extra transponders for expansion — the ISRO cannot meet those needs.
Currently, the ISRO has 187 transponders from nine Indian communication satellites, as well as transponders of GSAT-12 — the organization has acquired 86.5 transponders in terms of leasing from foreign operators through its marketing wing, Antrix Corporation Limited. According to reports, the ISRO intends to raise the transponder capacity by building and launching communication satellites GSAT-9, GSAT-10 and GSAT-11 as soon as possible.