TataSky to provide internet browsing through set-top box

Direct-to-home operator TataSky will launch internet browsing application on its platform, allowing its viewers to use apps selected by them. The new browsing service could be availed through its existing set-top boxes, on all television sets. "This would be a browser kind of application on which most of the apps, which are used on hand-held devices, could be used on the TV screens," Tata Sky CEO Harit Nagpal told PTI.

This service would be available through the exiting set-top boxes, he added. "We are not asking existing subscribers to buy a new STB for that. The attempt is to make it available on the present boxes," Nagpal said adding that there would be no additional charge for it.

However, he denied to share the time frame for the new service. Last week, TataSky's rival Videocon d2h also announced to provide similar kind of service. TataSky and some other DTH operators had earlier provided its services to be accessed online through hand-held devices while on the move.

TataSky is carrying over 400 channels on its platform and is adding almost one channel every week, Nagpal said.