Why antennae users in India not buy indigenous developed antennae, as they meet all international standard specifications? Saripally John, Managing Director, Comsat Systems India Pvt. Ltd.

On the sales turnover in 2008-09

In the year 2008-09 we achieved a sales turnover of Rs. 6.00 crore. This year was really disappointing as the turnover slid from an average Rs. 10.00 crore per annum in the earlier years. To some extent, the market is showing an up trend in 2009, it is approaching normalcy by 2010.

On the product range

The antennae supplied to broadcast market are transmit and receive in the frequency band of S, C, extended C and Ku-band. Comsat supplies antennae from 11 meters to 12 meters for the above applications in all the above frequency bands. These antennae are supplied to teleports, channel operators, OB vans, DSNG vans for uplinking TV Channels. Rx only antennae are used for receiving TV channels from a particular satellite, in the Rx frequency bands. The company developed these antennae indigenously and is in the market for the last 18 years, supplying antennae system to various organizations, including I&B Ministry. The company supplied antenna control systems to move the antennae in step track/auto/manual modes.

On the market trends

The explosion of TV channels in India with DTH, is ensuring growth, apart from foreign channels down linked through Rx only antennae.

On the USP of the product offerings

A one stop for antennae systems, Comsat has the best professionals who have more than 30 to 35 years of experience in the satellite communication area. The company accepts orders on turnkey basis. The prices of antennae are very competitive compared to International and PSU suppliers. The company is in an advantageous position as, any type of application of antennae can be designed and supplied by the company. Our supply record is good.

On the challenges and opportunities

Most of the challenges are arising out of competition from foreign suppliers. But, the opportunities are plenty for our company if the products undergo changes in aesthetics, as antennae meet all international specifications. In the broadcast antennae and other Tx/ Rx chain, it is the antenna alone which is manufactured in 
India and the rest of the electronic equipment are all imported, as no indigenous supplier is available. The hub antennae weigh few tons to import costs heavy in transport, apart from high prices in foreign exchange.

Why do antennae users in India not buy indigenous developed antennae, as they meet all international standard specifications, and thus restrict drain on foreign exchange apart from paying less compared to imported antennae?

On the company's plans for 2009-10

The company is entering into teleport business, uplinking TV channels. Comsat has developed mobile VSATs with carbon fibre reflectors, and will supply flyways also, along with SNG / OB vans. The company is ready with Ka-band (upto 40 GHz) test equipment, and is in the process of development of Ka-band antennae systems for DTH / mobile VSAT segment. Comsat is the only private company in India, where all the antennae are manufactured indigenously. Comsat undertakes turnkey solutions, including civil foundation/installation and commissioning of the equipment supplied by the firm, and also by the foreign suppliers.