Bharti Airtel to launch DTH mobile services

20 April 2009

Bharti Airtel is reportedly in talks with several companies to launch DTH mobile services in India. DTH mobile services will enable subscribers to watch their favourite TV channels on-the-go – in cars, buses, and trains, according to reports.

The company launched its direct-to-home (DTH) services across India last year.

It is learnt that the company has been talking with several auto majors for installation of its mobile DTH units in cars.

A special auto-tracking antenna is installed on the roof of the car which tracks the company's satellite orbiting 36,000km and beaming signals that are fed to a set to top box. The set top box is placed near the television set in the car for receiving signals from the satellite that are then processed in the TV set.

The installation of a DTH unit costs in excess of Rs1.5 lakh, and the company has therefore aimed the service for the high-end market. The service will therefore largely benefit people who can afford chauffer-driven luxury cars. Other possible installations may in buses or trains.

Reports also have it that Dish TV is ready to launch its smaller version of the mobile unit which will come with smaller antennae and set top box for mounting on any type of vehicle.