Doordarshan's free-to-air direct-to-home (DTH) service aims to have a pack of 200 channels on its platform by the end of this year, in a move which could trigger competition and a slash in monthly subscription by other service providers in this space. Currently, DD's DTH service carries 57 channels including 21 Doordarshan channels and a bouquet of private channels apart from 21 channels of All India Radio.

The service provider hopes that its low carriage charges as compared to other players and its footprint across the country will draw the broadcaster into its fold. "In fact, about 150 channels including some prime entertainment ones have already evinced their keen interest to broadcast through our platform," said a senior I&B official, talking about the Rs 100 crore venture. The broadcasters would, however, have to participate in the e-auction process, they said, adding a set of criteria has been laid down for them to fulfil.

At present, about eight million household have DD's DTH Service across the country, which the officials said could go up substantially once the 200 channels are rolled out. "The inclusion of more channels would also trigger a competition in the market and a slash in subscription rate by other players...a win win situation for the customers," they said.

The nationwide DTH service is expanding at the rate of 10 lakh per month, with 50 per cent of the growth being witnessed in rural India. While the Government has set March 31, 2012 as the deadline for shift to digital addressability in the four metros, officials said the viewers could as well choose the DTH service before that.

Meanwhile the I&B Ministry has cleared 75 new channels owned by major broadcasters such as Star India, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Discovery Communications etc, taking the number of channels in the country to over 650.

The clearence came from the Ministry on May 15, the officials said.