The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which according to its satellite launch partner Arianespace was to see the lift-off of its latest generation satellite Insat-3C on 16 January, has pushed forward the launch date again. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which according to its satellite launch partner Arianespace was to see the lift-off of its latest generation satellite Insat-3C on 16 January, has pushed forward the launch date again.

According to the Press Trust of India, Isro chairman K Kasturirangan has said the launch window of Insat-3C will open on 22 January. Kasturirangan did not give any definite date for the launch itself though.

Insat-3C will be launched from Kourou in French Guyana. The satellite was earlier scheduled for launch last November on an Ariane-5 rocket but due to a flight failure, the launch vehicle was changed to an Ariane-4 rocket.

Arianespace speeds up Insat 3C launch date

Convergence India has over the years been the destination where cutting edge technologies have been unveiled. New technology in communications are on show.

Exhibitions India presents the "10th Convergence India 2002" from 6 - 8 March at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The event will be co-organised by among others Ministry of Communication Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Information Technology, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce,.Global VSAT Forum. The event has the support of National Association of Broadcaster, International Broadcasting Convention, The French Agency for International Business Development and Swiss Multimedia Association Global suppliers of equipment and services will converge with various communications solutions.

The event aims at providing organisations and individuals with opportunities to forge alliances with manufacturers, application developers, integrators, reseller and users. It has positioned itself as the nroadband show for New Generation Networks The buyers range from carrier class capacity networks to the infrastructure, from established corporates to new entrepreneurs. The event aims to be the ideal venue for one stop shopping for products, services and partners.

The exhibition will have several categories for the information, communications and entertainment sectors. The Communications arcade will have among other things application development, Bandwidth exchange services, Broadband equipment and services, Multimedia applications, Satellite transmission services, Video conferencing and Wireless & satellite networking.

There will also be a wireless wing which will include CDMA , GSM, Internet transmission via satellite, Ka-band, Ku-band systems, Real time multimedia distribution Satellite telephony networks. The Broadcast and Cable gallery will have adjacent channel devices, Aerials, Antennas, Broadband amplifiers, Broadcasters, Channels, Content and software, Cable modems, Cable television programming Conditional access software , DTH systems Film / TV / Video production Interactive TV Pay TV systems, Satellite communication products and Television broadcast. There will also be a conference with the theme ‘Next generation convergent comunications‘. This will consist of two tracks. Some topics that will be discussed are

1. Converged networks: "the future"

2. Governing convergence

3. Building for information: Plan your network

4. Managing bandwidth

5. Bandwidth: the options

6. Broadband Internet

7. Wireless broadband At the Internet Cafe the attendees can explore the net. At the Media Center the daily press meets and briefings will be held. For more program and sponsorship details visit www.exhibitionsindia.org/10conver.html