NEW DELHI: The Division of Telecommunications (DoT) is ready to seek the advice of with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) concerning the allocation of spectrum and licensing for satellite tv for pc communication (satcom) companies. Sources point out that DoT will search Trai‘s suggestions on pricing and methodology for spectrum allocation, in addition to make clear the scope of companies that satcom firms with administratively allotted spectrum can provide.
Trai had beforehand initiated a session on the task of spectrum for space-based communication companies in April 2023 however returned the reference to DoT following the announcement of the brand new Telecommunication Act. Satcom expertise allows web connectivity in distant areas or difficult terrains, and several other firms, together with Bharti Group-backed OneWeb, Reliance Group Jio Satcom, and Elon Musk-owned Starlink, have proven curiosity in offering these companies in India.
“DoT will search views of Trai on pricing and methodology to allocate spectrum for area primarily based communication companies. It might additionally look to fine-tune current licences to herald full readability on the form of companies that satcom firms with administratively allotted spectrum can present,” mentioned a supply, who didn’t want to be named.
OneWeb and Jio Satcom have already been issued GMPCS (satellite tv for pc telephony) and VSAT licenses, whereas Starlink has utilized for a allow to begin satcom companies in India. Starlink presently dominates the satcom area with a constellation of 4,000 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, whereas OneWeb has over 600 LEO satellites.
The supply additionally highlighted the necessity to fine-tune VSAT licenses, as their present norms should not fully aligned with the provisions of the brand new Telecommunication Act. The Act permits satellite tv for pc communication firms to acquire spectrum with out public sale for point-to-point communications. Nevertheless, the provisions allowing VSAT service operators to supply web companies to a number of impartial subscribers could also be interpreted in another way than supposed within the Telecommunication Act 2023.
“Therefore, there’s a want felt to fine-tune licences for satcom companies. A choice will likely be taken primarily based on Trai’s suggestion on the permits that must be issued to satcom service suppliers,” the supply mentioned.
Trai had beforehand initiated a session on the task of spectrum for space-based communication companies in April 2023 however returned the reference to DoT following the announcement of the brand new Telecommunication Act. Satcom expertise allows web connectivity in distant areas or difficult terrains, and several other firms, together with Bharti Group-backed OneWeb, Reliance Group Jio Satcom, and Elon Musk-owned Starlink, have proven curiosity in offering these companies in India.
“DoT will search views of Trai on pricing and methodology to allocate spectrum for area primarily based communication companies. It might additionally look to fine-tune current licences to herald full readability on the form of companies that satcom firms with administratively allotted spectrum can present,” mentioned a supply, who didn’t want to be named.
OneWeb and Jio Satcom have already been issued GMPCS (satellite tv for pc telephony) and VSAT licenses, whereas Starlink has utilized for a allow to begin satcom companies in India. Starlink presently dominates the satcom area with a constellation of 4,000 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, whereas OneWeb has over 600 LEO satellites.
The supply additionally highlighted the necessity to fine-tune VSAT licenses, as their present norms should not fully aligned with the provisions of the brand new Telecommunication Act. The Act permits satellite tv for pc communication firms to acquire spectrum with out public sale for point-to-point communications. Nevertheless, the provisions allowing VSAT service operators to supply web companies to a number of impartial subscribers could also be interpreted in another way than supposed within the Telecommunication Act 2023.
“Therefore, there’s a want felt to fine-tune licences for satcom companies. A choice will likely be taken primarily based on Trai’s suggestion on the permits that must be issued to satcom service suppliers,” the supply mentioned.
