Mumbai / Hong Kong – Bharti Airtel has launched its new digital satellite service using NDS’ suite of digital broadcasting solutions. The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has granted Bharti Airtel a Letter of Intent, licensing the new DTH platform. Bharti Airtel will use NDS’ VideoGuard conditional access, MediaHighway middleware as well as a customized electronic programme guide (EPG). The NDS solutions are expected to provide Bharti Airtel with the flexibility to introduce future enhancements including interactive applications and additional advanced services for subscribers. Already operational for six years with 750 employees, NDS’ R&D facility in Bangalore will lead the development of a new EPG and design interactive TV applications tailored for Indian audiences. VideoGuard is used in 78.6 million set-top boxes worldwide, while MediaHighway has been deployed for 69.9 million clients.