DTH launch on schedule: Sarma

Prasar Bharti CEO K.S. Sarma said on Friday the state broadcaster8217;s direct-to-home telecast will be launched on schedule from April 1. Asked if the 8216;8216;poor man8217;s DTH8217;8217; was likely to be delayed, he said 8216;8216;the service is on schedule. Transponders are being tested. We have signed a contract with ISRO8217;8217;. But sources said this service may be delayed since several components like dishes, receiving equipment and set-top boxes are yet to be imported.

The sources said the infrastructural requirements of DTH were far from fulfilled and that the service was unlikely to begin before June. 8216;8216;DTH telecast needs several equipment like dishes, set-top boxes and other receiving equipment. Most of these are yet to be imported,8217;8217; they said adding government has already said it will provide 10,000 dishes free across eight states for increased community viewing of DTH service. PTI