Mumbai: Space TV, the 80:20 joint venture between TATA and STAR, today announced that it has received the 'Letter of Intent' from the information and broadcasting ministry (I & B Ministry) for the launch of its Ku band direct-to-home (DTH) service. The letter of intent to be followed by a formal license will enable Space TV to commercially launch the service by the end of 2005.

Speaking on this occasion, Vikram Kaushik, CEO, Space TV said, "We are very excited that the clearance has been awarded. Both partners — Tata and Star, are fully committed to invest in building a high quality digital infrastructure in the country to offer a world class television viewing experience to Indian households. We believe the service will immensely enhance the choices of viewers looking for the best of pay television services in the country."

The DTH service is set to become India's largest digital television platform, offering consumers a wide array of programming choices with interactive features and superior picture and sound quality.

Space TV is a TATA - STAR joint venture, established in 2004, will build state-of-the-art digital infrastructure for pay television in India, through a nationwide Direct-to-Home (DTH) service to reach even remote areas.