With GSAT-24, Tata Sky now enhances broadcast quality and expands to 900 channels.
In a significant move to bolster its Direct-to-Home (DTH) services, Tata Play, formerly known as Tata Sky, collaborated with New Space India Limited (NSIL) and launched the GSAT-24 satellite in June 2022.
After the satellite’s launch, ISRO ensured its placement in the desired geosynchronous orbit, set at 36,000 kilometres.
This initiative was Tata Play’s third venture with satellites made in India, showcasing its commitment to indigenous innovation.
With the satellite now operational, Tata Play has started its television channel broadcasts via GSAT-24. And it also enables Tata Play to boost its channel offerings by an impressive 50%, increasing its broadcast range to 900 channels from its earlier count of 600.
Tata Play is set to offer an enriched viewing experience characterised by enhanced picture and sound quality.
It also ensures comprehensive coverage across India, including remote areas like the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands. This enhancement solidifies Tata Play’s position as the premier satellite bandwidth provider among DTH platforms.
GSAT-24 is a dedicated 24-Ku band communication satellite tailored to Tata Play’s DTH application needs. It is also noted that the entire Satellite capacity has been leased to Tata Play, further strengthening its market position.
Satellite’s Inaugural Event
The satellite’s inauguration at Tata Play’s Broadcast Centre in New Delhi was marked by notable figures, including the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Secretary.
Present at the event, S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, conveyed, “GSAT-24, our 4-tonne class communication satellite designed for DTH services, has reached its full operational prowess after detailed in-orbit checks.
This significant stride is a game-changer in India’s telecom sector, backed by our homegrown innovative technology. It’s a nod to our nation’s aerospace capabilities and marks India’s confident step into the Demand Driven Mission arena.”
Additionally, Radhakrishnan Durairaj, the head of NSIL, remarked, “With the launch of GSAT-24, NSIL has embarked on its first communication satellite mission driven by market demands since the space sector reforms.
This satellite heralds a transformative phase for Indian satellite television. Embodying the essence of the ‘Make In India’ campaign, GSAT-24 will bolster domestic broadcasting with its advanced digital TV capabilities. Kudos to the combined efforts of NSIL, ISRO, and Tata Play for this remarkable achievement.”
On this significant milestone, Harit Nagpal, the Chief Executive of Tata Play, expressed, “Our primary focus has always been to enhance the viewer’s experience. Partnering with NSIL enables us to offer superior video and audio quality and a broader range of channels and services.
Our dedication to Linear TV remains unwavering in a nation where nearly 140 million households are still without a TV. Our consistent reliance on satellites developed by DOS underscores our staunch support for the ‘Make in India’ initiative.”
Tata Play Expands its Offerings with Binge
Reaching over 23 million Indian households, Tata Sky transformed into Tata Play in January 2022.
Tata Play launched the Binge Combo Packs to diversify its services, blending traditional channels with OTT platforms. Post-rebranding, Tata Play has been proactively broadening its offerings, with its recent partnership with Aha marking the 25th OTT addition to Tata Binge.
Aha, a prominent Telugu OTT service co-operated by My Home Group and Allu Aravind, curates a vast array of exclusive content, from film releases to talk and reality shows, focusing on the culture of Telugu audiences.
Tata Play Binge provides an all-inclusive subscription, offering users access to over 25 OTT platforms, including industry leaders like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, as added benefits for Tata Play DTH subscribers. The extensive OTT selection encompasses media such as ReelDrama, Voot Select, Planet Marathi, NammaFlix, Chaupal, SunNxt, Hungama Play, Eros Now, ShemarooMe, and many more.
Ragul Thangavel
With over nine years of diverse professional experience, Ragul has made significant contributions across various domains, including Media Operations, OTT Technologies, Video Production, Ecommerce, and Social Media.
Holding an Engineering degree, Ragul's career took an unconventional turn when he discovered his passion for writing, leading him to begin his journey as a content writer.
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