NEW DELHI: Doordarshan in terrestrial mode is estimated to be available to about 92 per cent population spread over 81 per cent area of the country, the Parliament has been told.

However, in satellite mode, multichannel TV coverage of Doordarshan reaches all the areas of the country through Doordarshan’s free-to-air DTH service FreeDish. It is possible to receive DTH signals anywhere in the country with the help of a small-sized dish receive unit, the minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said.

Modernisation of Doordarshan network by utilising modern techniques and equipment is a continuous process. Schemes in this regard have been formulated and implemented from time to time. The modernisation plan covers a broad spectrum, which includes digitalisation, adoption of new technologies, upgradation and replacement of old ageing equipment, etc.

According to industry estimates, DD FreeDish has reached about 20 to 30 million homes with 80 TV channels and 32 radio channels. This information is based on the KPMG- FICCI (Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler – Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) Indian Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2016.

The minister said there was no restriction on any channel for obtaining a slot on DD FreeDish through e-auction as DD Free Dish Platform was Free-to-Air and no subscription was charged by Doordarshan from viewers.

The minister said, in the e-auction held so far by Doordarshan, no pay channel had participated. (However, it is learnt that Zee News and Big TV which are pay channels successfully bid for beaming free to air on FreeDish).