WorldSpace to expand operations in India

Televisionpoint.com Correspondent
WorldSpace India Pvt Ltd, the satellite-based digital radio service provider, is overhauling its operations in India. The company, which upholds clarity of sound and commercials-free bouquet of dedicated radio stations to woo listeners, is in talks with West Bengal Electronics Development Corp (Webel) to rope in the latter as an original equipment maker (OEM) for the digital radio receivers.

Currently, the radio receivers are manufactured by BPL, while some are available in the grey market without any service back-up from WorldSpace. According to sources and reports, the company is roping in Webel as a partner is a distinct possibility, as the respective chairmen of the two firms have agreed in principle for such an arrangement.

Apart from Webel, WorldSpace is also keen to rope in other vendors once the demand for satellite radio gains momentum in the country. Among the other initiatives that are in the offing from WorldSpace include launching of portable radio receivers for which the company is already in talks with firms like Frog/Flextronics Software Systems Ltd.

WorldSpace has also discontinued some channels from its list of offerings like Sahara Swar and Radio Indigo, replacing them with more hip and trendy Spin which is a 24 hour pop and rock channel.