[Satellite TODAY 01-14-13] Russian satellite reception equipment manufacturer General Satellite is planning to invest in a new pay-TV platform for Pakistan that will be marketed to the wealthy segment of the population, the company announced Jan. 14.

   General Satellite hopes to attract 1 million subscribers in Pakistan by 2020. The company said the platform would most likely be created through a joint venture with a local partner that already holds a satellite license, as the Pakistan government has previously stated it would not issue new licenses in applicants.

   General Satellite currently provides the technology platform for Russian DTH provider Tricolor TV. In July, the company unveiled the first of a series of planned international pay TV ventures in Cambodia.  The company also joined the board of the Russian Business Council for Cooperation with Pakistan at the end of 2012. General Satellite Director of Foreign Broadcasting Sergey Dolgopolsky is serving as that organization’s vice-president.