NEW DELHI: The Division of Telecommunications (DoT) is ready to seek the advice of with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) relating to the allocation of spectrum and licensing for satellite tv for pc communication (satcom) providers. 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 providers that satcom corporations with administratively allotted spectrum can supply.
Trai had beforehand initiated a session on the task of spectrum for space-based communication providers in April 2023 however returned the reference to DoT following the announcement of the brand new Telecommunication Act. Satcom know-how permits web connectivity in distant areas or difficult terrains, and a number of other corporations, together with Bharti Group-backed OneWeb, Reliance Group Jio Satcom, and Elon Musk-owned Starlink, have proven curiosity in offering these providers in India.
“DoT will search views of Trai on pricing and methodology to allocate spectrum for house primarily based communication providers. It could additionally look to fine-tune current licences to usher in full readability on the form of providers that satcom corporations with administratively allotted spectrum can present,” stated 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 providers in India. Starlink at present dominates the satcom house 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 usually are not totally aligned with the provisions of the brand new Telecommunication Act. The Act permits satellite tv for pc communication corporations to acquire spectrum with out public sale for point-to-point communications. Nevertheless, the provisions allowing VSAT service operators to supply web providers to a number of impartial subscribers could also be interpreted in a different way than supposed within the Telecommunication Act 2023.
“Therefore, there’s a want felt to fine-tune licences for satcom providers. A call will likely be taken primarily based on Trai’s advice on the permits that must be issued to satcom service suppliers,” the supply stated.
Trai had beforehand initiated a session on the task of spectrum for space-based communication providers in April 2023 however returned the reference to DoT following the announcement of the brand new Telecommunication Act. Satcom know-how permits web connectivity in distant areas or difficult terrains, and a number of other corporations, together with Bharti Group-backed OneWeb, Reliance Group Jio Satcom, and Elon Musk-owned Starlink, have proven curiosity in offering these providers in India.
“DoT will search views of Trai on pricing and methodology to allocate spectrum for house primarily based communication providers. It could additionally look to fine-tune current licences to usher in full readability on the form of providers that satcom corporations with administratively allotted spectrum can present,” stated 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 providers in India. Starlink at present dominates the satcom house 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 usually are not totally aligned with the provisions of the brand new Telecommunication Act. The Act permits satellite tv for pc communication corporations to acquire spectrum with out public sale for point-to-point communications. Nevertheless, the provisions allowing VSAT service operators to supply web providers to a number of impartial subscribers could also be interpreted in a different way than supposed within the Telecommunication Act 2023.
“Therefore, there’s a want felt to fine-tune licences for satcom providers. A call will likely be taken primarily based on Trai’s advice on the permits that must be issued to satcom service suppliers,” the supply stated.
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