New Delhi: Government on October 15 gave a green signal to the Rs 500 crore project for expansion of television coverage in remote areas.

Announcing the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, an official spokesperson said the expansion would be carried out using the cheaper KU-Band instead of the usual C-Band.

The 20 Doordarshan and 10 private channels, which are available on the free-to-air mode, will be telecast through this project to remote areas.

"A person needs a set-top box and a dish antennae costing Rs 6,000 to view the 30 channels," he said.

The government estimates a total capital cost of Rs 53.80 crore, a revenue non-recurring expenditure of Rs 2.25 crore and a revenue recurring cost of Rs 108.30 crore for the project.

The project would cover 20 per cent of remote areas presently not covered with 10 per cent of population.

The 10th Plan has estimated Rs 500 crore for the project and a total outgo of Rs 35 crore this fiscal.

The Indresan Committee appointed to look into the television coverage of remote areas estimated the total cost of the project at Rs 4,000 crore, while the Planning Commission put the figure at Rs 3,500 crore.

PTI