DTH launch on schedule: Sarma

Prasar Bharti CEO K.S. Sarma said on Friday the state broadcaster’s direct-to-home telecast will be launched on schedule from April 1. Asked if the ‘‘poor man’s DTH’’ was likely to be delayed, he said ‘‘the service is on schedule. Transponders are being tested. We have signed a contract with ISRO’’. 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. ‘‘DTH telecast needs several equipment like dishes, set-top boxes and other receiving equipment. Most of these are yet to be imported,’’ 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)