“Some gaps were found in the application and the government has sought more clarifications from them (Tata-Star), last week on those issues. The response is still awaited,” a senior information and broadcasting ministry official told indiantelevision.com today.

In January this year, Tata Sons had announced formation of a joint venture with the Rupert Murdoch-controlled Star Group for launching a DTH platform in India. The Tata Group holds 80 per cent in the JV, which is envisaging building India’s largest digital television platform (estimated project cost: Rs 1.6 billion) and offering a range of channels with interactive features and services.

Hong Kong-based research and analysis firm Media Partners Asia estimates that the Indian DTH market could grow at the rate of 15 per cent annually.

About a month back, I&B ministry had said that the Tata-Star application could be cleared by year-end, raising hopes in Star that the service could be started by March 2005, if not earlier.

The Space TV application has been cleared by most related Indian government agencies, including the home ministry, which looks into various security aspects of such ventures.