MUMBAI: Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has got into arrangement with two teleport operators to facilitate transmission on multiple channels per carrier (MCPC) mode. This move will considerably bring down the space segment cost for small broadcasters.
 
 

Essel Shyam and Noida Software Technology Park Ltd (NSTPL) have been allocated a transponder each on Insat 4A which is scheduled for launch in October-November. The two teleport operators can put together a bunch of channels for uplinking from their facilities while offering them space on Insat 4A satellite.

"We are starting an arrangement with teleport operators for transmission on MCPc mode. Essel Shyam and NSTPL are being allocated two transponders on 4A," says Isro contract management and legal services director SB Iyer.
 
 

Under the MCPC platform, 12 channels can be packaged on a single transponder. The single channel per carrier (SCPC) mode, in contrast, will be able to pack in eight channels per transponder.

Says Iyer, "Normally a transponder will take 4.5 mb for a single channel per carrier. But under MCPC mode 12, instead of eight, channels can be packed."

Teleport operators can provide end-to-end solution to broadcasters, selling them a package of both uplinking and transponder space. "This will bring down the space cost to the customer by around 25 per cent. While some channels require more bandwidth, others need less. Teleport operators can allocate the power accordingly. The intelligence is built in for what is known as strategical multiplexing," says Iyer.

Isro is looking at collaborative arrangements with more teleport operators. By offering MCPC facilities, the teleport operators will be able to market their services better.

So how will it gain Isro? "Thaicom has a similar arrangement with VSNL. We want to take Thaicom head on. Besides, we want to compete bring down the space segment costs for small broadcasters," says Iyer.