The state broadcaster is in the process of switching satellite loyalties.

Almost all of Doordarshan's regional channels have started migration to Insat 3C which became operational from 22 February. Isro's latest multi-purpose geostatinary satellite is expected to boost satellite communication capabilities of the country, even as Insat 2C, which is nearing the end of its productive life, is being phased out. Most of the channels were earlier on Insat 2C and 2E, but are now being beamed via Insat 3C.

These include DD9 (Karnataka), DD11 (Gujarati), DD4 (Kerala), DD 10 (Maharashtra) and DD Gyan Darshan, the educational channel that was started two years ago.

Insat 3C has 24 normal C-band transponders, six extended C-band transponders, two S-band broadcast satellite transponders and a mobile satellite service transponder. Isro has said that there is already a large commitment from Indian users for the use of the satellite. Insat 2A to be launched later this year, are targeted at domestic users whereas Insat-3C was mainly built for India coverage.