NSIL (NewSpace India Limited) partnered with Tata Play to commission GSAT-24

New Delhi: Tata Play, formerly recognized as Tata Sky, joined forces with NSIL (NewSpace India Limited) to unveil the GSAT-24 satellite in June 2022, in accordance with the Government’s Make in India initiative. As of today, Tata Play is set to utilize this satellite that has reached its designated orbital location. The heightened bandwidth capacity offered by GSAT-24 will empower Tata Play to offer users an enhanced visual and auditory experience, along with the capability to accommodate 50% more channels. This achievement solidifies Tata Play’s position as the leading satellite bandwidth provider among all Direct-to-Home (DTH) platforms. 

Tata Play presently has 24 transponders, but approximately three months from now, 12 of them will be taken out of service due to their approaching end-of-life cycles. As a result, the total transponder capacity will effectively rise from the current 24 to 36. On June 22, 2022, the launch of GSAT-24 took place aboard an Ariane 5 rocket, which was operated by the French company Arianespace, from the Kourou launch site in French Guiana, South America. GSAT-24, a 4,180-kg satellite developed at an approximate cost of ₹400 crore, provides nationwide coverage for DTH services.

The inauguration ceremony was held at Tata Play’s Broadcast Centre in Chhatarpur, New Delhi. On the occasion, Shri. Apurva Chandra, Secretary Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, expressed his happiness and said, “Congratulations to DoS and Tata Play for successfully commissioning GSAT-24.  This event unlocks one more step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and self-reliance in the field of space and communication.”

Present at the event Shri. S. Somanath, Chairman ISRO, said, “GSAT-24 a 4-tonne class communication satellite built by ISRO for providing DTH services, is fully operational at its maximum satellite capacity, following exhaustive in-orbit testing. This momentous achievement signifies a revolution in India’s telecommunications space, driven by cutting-edge indigenous technology. It serves as a tribute to our nation’s aerospace prowess and heralds India’s successful entry into the Demand Driven Mission segment.” 

Shri. Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director NSIL, added saying, “GSAT-24 has been the first Demand Driven communication satellite mission undertaken by NSIL post space sector reforms. GSAT-24 satellite is ready to usher in a new era of satellite television for India. As a testament to the success of the Make In India initiative, this satellite would support domestic broadcasting services with advanced digital TV transmission capabilities. Congratulations to the teams of NSIL, ISRO and Tata Play who have collaborated on this successful project. “

Commenting on the momentous occasion, Tata Play’s MD & CEO, Harit Nagpal said, “Viewing experience has been Tata Play’s key priority. This collaboration with NSIL will provide our DTH subscribers with an even better video and audio quality and many more channels and services. It also strengthens our commitment to Linear TV in a country where approximately ~140 Mn homes are yet to buy their first TV. We have always delivered all our services on indigenously produced satellites by DOS and this capacity enhancement is a reaffirmation of our commitment to Make in India.”