Netherlands-based New Skies Satellites [NSK] and the Indian Space Research Organization inked an agreement for multiple, high-powered, 36 MHz Ku-band transponders on the NSS-6 satellite. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The pact supports the launch of the free-to-air DTH service for Doordarshan, India’s national broadcaster. DTH is expected to begin in June, providing an initial bouquet of 30 free channels –15 from Doordarsgan and 15 from private broadcasters – along with 20 radio channels.