ETC Networks Ltd, the first channel to secure clearance to build a commercial teleport in Mumbai, is now looking to set up its uplinking facility in adjoining Raigad district's industrial town of Khopoli.

Jagjit Singh Kohli, managing director and one of the promoters of ETC, said ETC had signed a deal to provide uplink facilities for the Thailand-based Shin Satellite Public Company Limited which runs the Thaicom satellite systems.

Once the teleport is commissioned it is expected to reduce the operating costs of the channel and also provide additional revenue streams for the company by offering uplink services to other private channels and Internet service providers.

Industry sources, however, indicate that work has still to start on the 30 acres of land acquired for the purpose as a "technical clearance" is still awaited from the Maharashtra state government.

Close to Rs 18.6 million has been put aside for establishing uplinking facilities. The teleport is expected to be up and running within this financial year, and ETC is confident that it would also be generating revenue from Day 1, Neelam Gupta, head corporate communications, has told indiantelevision.com in an earlier response to queries.