MUMBAI: BIG 92.7 FM Network currently operational in 31 cities, has added another feather to its cap by walking away with the customer award for ‘Network Innovation’ from the prestigious Hughes Escort Communications Ltd (HECL) for its innovative use of the VSAT network.

The occasion took place at the HECL’s Users Forum on 17 August – a forum where HECL recognizes its customers for their outstanding contribution to the industry.

The award was bestowed for BIG FM’s innovation in using the VSAT satellite link to transmit the audio from its studios to the transmitters using the IP packet technology. This FM Station is the only one to deploy IP based encoders for the first time. It also has managed to spread its network and reach out to even the remote areas of Tier I & II cities.

The idea of using IP packet data for streaming audio over satellite is new and a very innovative concept. In addition to this, this radio station has been supported by manufacturer APT of UK, who has helped designed our equipment ‘Codec.’

BIG 92.7 FM chief technical officer Soumen Ghosh Choudhury said, “We are extremely proud and are very glad that our efforts have been appreciated at the HECL forum, which is one of the most coveted forums in the industry. This is an important recognition of the innovation happening in the industry and we are thankful to HECL for helping us make this important technology a reality over a satellite link. Such acknowledgement works as a great motivator for the team, who strive harder to put forth a better product for our listeners.”