Tags: ISRO, Transponders, India, DTH, VSAT
Publication: FinancialExpress.com
Publication Date: 11/30/2012

GSAT-10 one of India’s communication satellites. It was launched on September 29, 2012 Image credit: ISRO

India’s DTH, VSAT and teleport companies are raising concerns about ISRO’s intentions to increase the country’s satellite capacity shortage through mostly foreign operators instead of local companies. Between 2007 and 2012, ISRO provided only 187 transponders; more than 300 less of what the organization had targeted.

The ISRO has invited global companies to set up Ka-band and Ku-band satellites. In reaction, JupiterSat, an Indian satellite firm promoted by Hughes Network System, has called out the attention of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Department of Space and the Science and Technology Ministry with complaints that its Indian satellite system Suraya has been ignored by the ISRO. The organization has said that JupiterSat’s proposal has not been ignored and it is being considered.

For the 2012-2017 period, India maintains its plan to offer 800 transponders. ISRO plans to launch 14 communication satellites by 2017 with high-power S-band capacity and geo-imaging capabilities.

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