Dear Patrons,

SIA-India, in a continued quest for engagement and strong public-private partnerships to leverage R&D initiatives promoting innovation, has been granted a MRP status [Market Research Partner] to 3GPP.

In this role, SIA-India aims to identify the gaps and challenges and address them and bring out research papers and publications jointly with 3GPP.

As the specification work progresses to future releases of 3GPP, it will enable integration of satellite in the 3GPP ecosystem for reachability and service continuity in unserved/underserved areas. This improves network resilience and dependability by enhancing the reliability of connectivity between various access technologies. The acceptance of SIA-India as MRP is a testimony to the capability to offer market advice to 3GPP and to bring into 3GPP a consensus view of market requirements (e.g. services, features and functionality) falling within the 3GPP scope.

SIA-India has already held several workshops/webinars addressing the need for standardization for innovation, interoperability and global harmonization.

SIA-India's candidature for MRP at 3GPP was supported by TSDSI.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on April 11, 2022 has issued recommendations on the 'Auction of spectrum in frequency bands identified for IMT/5G'. The recommendations which were sought by the DoT on the quantum of spectrum to be auctioned and associated conditions.

One of the major recommendations of TRAI is to put additional [all the available] spectrum to auction. This would have a significant impact on the satellite industry as the earmarking of spectrum for 5G IMT includes the key satellite bands in the C and Ka frequency bands. Any allocation of spectrum must be based on the actual requirement/needs of the MNOs.

To read the detailed recommendations please click here:
https://trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/Recommendations_11042022_0.pdf

The TRAI recommendations in C-Band on allocating frequencies up to 3670 MHz for 5G IMT will have foundational impact on the entire $700Bn broadcasting sector which operates in the 3600-4200 MHz band.

SIA-India however appreciates the suggestion of a two-stage auction process for 5G IMT in mid-band based on spectrum demand and prioritizing the assignment in such a manner that in-use satellite bands are not disturbed and to avoid impacting the satellite-occupied band in 3600-3670 MHz.

SIA-India study paper "A Balanced Approach for Spectrum Allocation" analyzed and suggested that 300 MHz of spectrum in 3.3- 3.6 GHz based on the international regulator Ofcom study, provides enough spectrum for India's mid-band 5G needs while ensuring a competitive auction.

The National Frequency Allocation Plan 2018 (NFAP-201832) also limits the allocation of frequencies to IMT services within the upper limit of 3.6 GHz. Therefore, TRAI's recommendation to allocate additional 70 MHz spectrum frequencies over and beyond the NFAP 2018 would derail existing satellite services operating in the C-band.

The Authority recommends use of band pass filters to avoid interference from IMT stations by the MSOs, DTH operators and other users, parties who are already impacted by the spectrum encroachment. It would be an onerous condition for the broadcasting service providers adding cost to their operations. This would set a dangerous precedent that leaves no sanctity even for the guard band usage. This will also unnecessary financial burden on deploying BPF at large volume and also a logistic issue.

The TRAI recommendations on segmenting the Ka-band go against the ITU's decision. Segmenting or co-locating non-compatible terrestrial and satellite technologies in the band 27.5 - 29.5 GHz will result in inefficient usage of the frequency band, loss of economic benefits and increased costs to all parties including service providers, government and end user.

The satellite industry would be significantly impacted by these recommendations if accepted by DOT as the existing and ongoing investments made on satellite systems and ground equipment, especially considering that the operating frequency ranges of Ka-band satellite systems cannot be changed.

To propel the growth of the Space Sector SIA-India, has released a position paper titled Self Reliance in Defense Space-inclusion of Space Sector in Discharge of Defense Offset Obligations on 20th April 2022.

The paper takes a deep dive into the currently prevailing condition of the defense offset programs and explains the nuances of a robust offset regime. The Space sector being the 'Fourth Frontier' of defense, the inclusion of the space sector in the discharge of offset obligations could be a major catalyst for both the sectors. Such a measure will propel the Indian space industry to achieve economies of scale and continuity beyond their participation in the National space programs of ISRO.

The position paper draws the attention of the Ministry of Defence to bring the space sector manufacturing under purview of 'Offset Policy' with a supporting strategy and approach. The paper highlights the unique capabilities of space operations that will potentially bring a strategic depth in Defence Affairs and leverage space power for exploitation of space to enhance defence capabilities and protection of our national space assets.

Releasing the paper at an event Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President SIA-India, said "The Defense and Space sectors stand to gain immensely from cross country collaborative policies, where the two sectors can organically exchange research activities, tech processes and ideas. Combining existing technologies will result in development of state-of-the-art applications and enhance indigenous manufacturing capacities."

Also present at the event were, Lt Gen A K Bhatt [Retd], Director General- ISpA, Lt Gen (Dr) AKS Chandele, President- Defence, Internal Security & Public Safety - Geospatial World, Commodore Dr. J Jena, Advisory Board Member, Former CEO, TSSC, Chaitanya Giri, Consultant for science technology innovation policy and diplomacy, Research and Information System for Developing Countries, Prof Rakesh Mehrotra VP ITU-APT Foundation of India , Eddy Setiawan, Chairman ITU Concern Forum of Indonesia Vivek Pandit, Senior Director, FICCI among others

To download the full report please click: https://www.sia-india.com/category/reports-publications/

SES S.A. which is a Luxembourgish satellite and terrestrial telecommunications network provider supplying video and data connectivity worldwide to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators, governments, and institutions joins SIA-India as member.

SIA-India's association with SES will bring immense value to the table with expertise and support on the global best practices in the video, data solutions and broadcasting realms.

To Read more about SES please follow the link: https://www.ses.com/

A significant moment for SIA-India to sign an MOU agreement with the Telecommunications Standards Development Society of India [TSDSI]. TSDSI is an Indian Standard Developing Organisation [SDO] which has been a major milestone in the evolution of the telecom/ICT industry in India. To know more about the Organisation go to https://tsdsi.in/

This collaboration is expected to make way for cooperation and exchange of information regarding satellite networks in Indian Sub-Continent territory as well as any other territories that the parties may agree to; Cooperate in the development of Standards in India and International Standard developing Organisations as well such as the ITU, 3GPP, etc that address the common interests.

A collaboration like this will go a very long way in strengthening the standards-based manufacturing expertise in the country. Together TSDSI and SIA-India would play a critical role, both domestically and internationally in meeting the national objectives of digital communication standards and in augmenting industry, start-ups and the R&D community in standardization capabilities and activities.

The United Service Institution (USI) of India organised the 38th National Security Lecture on "Technological Transformation of the Indian Military in the Coming Decade" by Lt. Gen Raj Shukla, PVSM, YSM, SM (Retd), former GoC-in-C, ARTRAC on 13 April 2022 at the USI. Mr. Anil Prakash, DG, SIA-India speaking at the event emphasized the need for inclusion of the Space sector under 'Defence Offset Policy' to leverage space power for exploitation of space and to enhance defence capabilities and protection of our national space assets.

Mr. Anil Prakash, DG, SIA-India speaking at the Manastu Space Event on the occasion of successfully completing 5 years. Mr. Prakash stated that to support the thriving innovation ecosystem, the industry, government, and investor community should work together to help deep-tech space start-ups. A sandbox mechanism for developing regulation that keeps up with the fast pace of innovation is the need of the hour to provide safe testing grounds for new business models that are not protected by current regulation. The Government should form an easier facilitation center to deal and help the Start-ups in a time bound manner.