MUMBAI: The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) has announced its programme for the CASBAA India Satellite Forum 2009 in Delhi on 17 March, 2009.

Themed "Satellite Communications: A new era for India", the annual forum brings together representatives of the communications and broadcasting industries from India and abroad with senior officials from the Government of India.

Confirmed participants in the high-powered gathering will include, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Scientific secretary A. Bhaskaranarayana; Telecom Regulatory Authority of India chairman, Nripendra Misra, and, Department of Telecommunications Wireless advisor Dr Ashok Chandra. Also participating is a senior team from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

"With the positive encouragement of our members and colleagues, the Association is once again pleased to stage the CASBAA India Forum, promoting satellite services and digital communications," said CASBAA CEO Simon Twiston Davies.

The one-day Forum is focused on the still fast-emerging trends and creative business models for the broadcasting market supported by new technologies such as VSAT-delivered Satellite Services, IPTV, Mobile TV, and DTH as well as advanced digital cable solutions. The programme will also review the ISRO’s leading role in the provision of satellite services (including its commercial satellite launch programme) along with market access for overseas satellite operators.

"India is the most competitive market for the communications sector in the Asia Pacific. With further deployment of digital television and high-speed broadband networks, we believe the industry will help boost the national economy and competitiveness. The business opportunities remain enormous," added Davies.