NEWS LETTER JULY 2021/01 Unified voice for Satellite Communication Industry in India
Dear Patrons,
The last fortnight has been quite eventful and productive for SIA-India with representations at Department of Telecom and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
In an Interactive session chaired by Secretary Telecom and representatives from DOT, TRAI, DoS, DRDO and academia, the whole gamut of issues related to the satellite industry in India were discussed. In lieu of the upcoming Space Policy, it is welcoming to note the lead taken by DOT in aiming at creating a roadmap for the Industry by addressing the key issues hindering the growth of the SatCom sector and factors that are needed to create an enabling ecosystem for the proliferation of the industry in applications, manufacturing, satellite gateways and services. SIA-India led by its President Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri and has tabled the various concerns of the industry stakeholders and constructive suggestions on catalyzing the growth.of all segments of the Satellite industry. An encouraging feedback was received from industry constituents and the same was compiled in the detailed note that was tabled. The orbital/spectrum certainty and the importance of the Ka Band (27.5-29.5 GHz) was impressed upon in the submission besides the comprehensive inputs as invited by DOT.
In the meeting with the Chairman Telecom regulatory Authority of India [TRAI] Dr. PD Waghela, Secretary N Raghunandan and other senior officials, SIA-India focussed on Satellite Spectrum Certainty and deregulation of the market for proliferation of the Sector. The main discussion was around the two crucial Bands, C and Ka Bands, which are essential for growth of the sector to become a US$ 50 Bn industry by 2030. SIA-India has urged the Authority to reserve the 27.5 – 29.5GHz exclusively for the satellite industry in keeping with the International Telecommunications Union's stand on the issue, while allocating 24.25GHz-27.5GHz for 5G/IMT services.
The Chairman asserted that the policies around the satellite ecosystem should be more liberal and stated his opinion in favour of Open Sky Policy and availability of USO fund for satellite services sector.
DG connect:
The Space economy has a tremendous scope to go from the currently held paltry 3% of the global share to a respectable 10% in next 10 years, provided the concerns on the the availability of Orbital & Spectrum Resources are addressed, taxation and spectrum cost are rationalised; level playing field is provided and regulations that allow ease of doing business are brought in. Anil Prakash (Director General- SIA-India)
The fortnight at a glance:
Need level playing field, regulations for SatCom industry growth
According to SIA-India, an enabling policy framework has to include an investment-friendly regulatory fee structure, and spectrum availability governed by the International Radio Regulations (RR) of International Telecommunications Union (ITU) especially...
SpaceX to partner local firms to make satcom gear in India
SpaceX to find ways to work together with the Indian industry for manufacturing products for its Starlink devices. The DoT had called a meeting with global satellite companies...
SIA-India Seeks Satellite Spectrum Certainty, Access to USO Fund, Level-Playing Field Ground
SIA-India has sought satellite spectrum certainty primarily for C, L and KA Bands, access to the Universal Service Obligation (USO) fund, level-playing field and consumer-friendly regulations to provide...
Government fixes 1% SUC for BSNL's satellite based service
The DoT in an office memorandum dated June 28 said that BSNL shall pay spectrum charges as a percentage of its adjusted gross revenue which will also cover the spectrum...
Satellite Broadband: A faster way to connect India
An urgent re-look at deregulation and privatisation is required just like some of the advanced space-faring nations have in their value chain. There is a need for building systems to help nurture the industry and create an extensive ecosystem to generate...
DCC clears satellite connectivity for telecom networks: DoT Secretary
DCC has approved provision of cellular backhaul connectivity via satellite through VSAT for telecom services as per TRAI recommendation. It also cleared the Request...
Policy black holes spook space investors Potential
Foreign investors in India's space sector are unsure if their licence applications would get 'a fair consideration' and are wary of a possible conflict of interest given...
