Dear Patrons,

Robust digital infrastructure, digital connectivity and services are increasingly emerging as key enablers and critical determinants of country's growth. Seamless access to the global Internet is not just a key factor for a country's rapid economic development but it also has a greater political significance as countries attempt to have a better hold over the digital infrastructure and flow of information.

In view of the increasing global data requirements and millions of unserved and underserved population, the government, policy makers and corporations must look at leveraging on all available technologies for facilitating internet solutions for its deployment. Adopting a non-discriminatory, technology-neutral broadband policy is the need of the hour. This would encourage pools of ancillary firms and services, bring about skill development, generate employment, attract FDI, and enhance the GDP growth rate significantly in the country.

India is seen as a key emerging satellite broadband market with over $1 billion annual revenue opportunity. This is when roughly 50% of rural India still does not have access to broadband as many locations are still without cellular or fiber connectivity. The LEO/MEO satellite systems are being seen as a good robust viable alternative. SIA India has submitted comments with inputs from stakeholders to the draft Spacecom policy 2021 both in writing and through presentation to the Department of Space, IN-SPACe and ISRO officials. The presentation was very well received and also lauded for its clarity and nuanced submission by the Chairman of In-SPACe Shri Pawan Goenka.

Recently, the Telecom Regulator (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on "Licensing Framework for Establishing Satellite Earth Station Gateways". The paper seeks stakeholders views on whether there is a need of adding a new license to the existing three licenses [viz., Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS), Commercial Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Closed User Group (CUG) Service, and INSAT-MSSR (INSAT Mobile Satellite System-Reporting) (MSS-R) Service], or changing the existing terms and conditions of the relevant service authorizations of Unified License (UL).

The consultation paper is also seeking ways to assign spectrum for establishing satellite gateways, and the mechanism for charging a satellite earth station permit-holder for such airwaves. As per International best practices, most countries assign spectrum administratively for an earth station license. It is a significant matter under consideration for the entire satcom industry in the light of numbers of mega constellations of LEO/MEO in offing and billions of investments being made with an ambitious plan to reach out to millions unconnected in India.

SIA-India is in the process of collecting and collating comments via various discussions and meetings with members and would be making its submission on the issue to TRAI in response to the consultation paper. To download a copy of the CP please click here......

While the TRAI CP will address the regulatory and policy measures for the licensing framework for the satellite gateways, the time is ripe for a timely discussion to deliberate on issues around the Satellite Ground Segment Ecosystem in the Indian Landscape as an industry, and an introduction of the concept of "New Ground" to complement the New Space Economy.

SIA-India is organising a conference "Satellite Ground Segment- Way Forward" on 17th December 2021. This one day conference is aimed at highlighting and deliberating on the issues around the way forward for the Ground Station industry in the Indian Landscape. For Participation, click here to Register

SIA India is happy to announce an association with Ankitgram Sevadham which is a lifetime shelter and rehabilitation centre situated in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The centre supports with due love, care and compassion, the homeless, helpless, differently-abled, mentally ill, dying and destitute people coming from across the nation without any discrimination of caste, creed, region, age and sex. It provides safe shelter and care to all in need and most of their residents are suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses. The Ankitgram Sevadham family is growing from 200 to 700+ in past years and SIA India is proud to be associated with the group.

Their Social media handles are:

Social Accounts Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashram.sewadham
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ankitgramsewadhamashram/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnkitgramA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ankitgram-sewadham-ashram/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChnxrlLtJIQMZX0IMEYsGLA
Website: https://sewadhamashram-ujjain.org/

SIA India Partnered with Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) in their annual flagship event, the Asia Video Summit held from 16 - 18 November, 2021. The Summit was successful in providing a comprehensive view of what firms need to survive and thrive in the video industry with valuable content on the state of video industry today. From the technology that underpins it, to the advertising that supports it, the event covered it all. The summit also successfully explored the development of policies and regulations that impact business in the region and understand the state of piracy today.

SIA India has signed an MOU with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), world's largest technical professional organization for the advancement of technology.

IEEE and its members inspire a global community to innovate for a better tomorrow through highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities. IEEE is the trusted "voice" for engineering, computing, and technology information around the globe. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association (IEEE SA) is an operating unit within IEEE that develops global standards in a broad range of industries, including: power and energy, artificial intelligence systems, internet of things, consumer technology and consumer electronics, biomedical and health care, learning technology, information technology and robotics, telecommunication and homeautomation, automotive, transportation, home-automation, nanotechnology, information assurance, emerging technologies, and many more.