MUMBAI: Space TV, the Tata Sons and Star group 80:20 joint venture for a DTH service in India is finally in sight, and action is hotting up in the direct-to-home satellite arena as well.

ProtoStar's planned footprint will reach over 3 billion people in India, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, the Philippines and South East Asia.

According to a statement issued by the company, its system will enable in-country partners to offer subscribers a technically advanced, reliable, cost effective satellite television package, providing a robust subscriber experience. ProtoStar's first satellite is planned for launch in mid-2006.

Philip Father, ProtoStar's CEO, described the company's business model as timely. "Much like we saw in North America and Europe, Asian markets are deregulating in order to meet market requirements for DTH services. ProtoStar is well positioned to offer optimized DTH capacity to its operator customers, meeting critical broadcast needs. We're extremely pleased to have the support of two of the most respected VC firms in the industry - NEA and SpaceVest."

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