Dear Patrons,
The space and satellite industry have been keenly waiting for the new Spacecom policy 2021 which is aimed at promoting increased participation of commercial Indian industry to provide space based communications both within the country and outside.
The last Satcom Policy was released in 1997 and a set of 'norms, procedures and guidelines' was notified in 2000. In June 2020, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved reforms in the Space sector aimed at boosting private sector participation in the entire range of space activities. Subsequently, the Department of Space came up with the Draft Space Based Communication Policy 2020 to monitor and authorize use of space assets for communication to or from Indian territory.
There have been notable changes in the latest version of the draft. Foreign players are entering the Indian market in a big way putting thousands of constellations in orbit to provide broadband internet to the unserved areas of the globe which have thus far been considered infeasible by the terrestrial networks.
Satcom Industry Association (SIA-India) consolidated opinion and comments from various stakeholders and submitted to DoS on 28th October 2021 on draft SpaceCom Policy 2021. SIA-India was also given an opportunity to address Dr. K.Siwan Secretary DOS and Chairman ISRO, Sh. Maheshwar Rao, Joint Secretary, DOS, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman IN-SPACe, Sh. K Rathnakara, Director, Satcom PO, ISRO, HQ and other distinguished luminaries from DoS, ISRO and IN-SPACe to present industry viewpoint.
SIA-India in its submission highlighted some pertinent measures that are required to form an overarching and suitable regulatory framework for the timely deployment of satcom services. Any policy or law must balance the national aspirations, sovereign commitments as well as security aspect and must also protect Public/Commercial interests and promote R&D and attract new businesses.
SIA India is hopeful that the policy will underline the very significant role of geostationary (GSO) satellites systems and non-geostationary (NGSO) satellites systems (LEOs and MEOs) both of which are likely to play a very critical role in India's space and communication Industry. The submission also highlights the urgent need for a Space Act and a Spacecom Policy that matches the pace of the industry's development within the country and outside. Spectrum allocation to satellite technology players remains a critical area of concern and is being keenly watched by players within India and outside.
(A Copy of the SIA-India submission can be
downloaded here)
