India Enhances Satellite Monitoring and Spectrum Safeguards
As India prepares for the commercial rollout of satellite-based communication services, the government is intensifying efforts to safeguard national interests against the backdrop of global competitors like Elon Musk’s Starlink and Jeff Bezos’s Amazon Kuiper. Officials have revealed plans to enhance domestic capabilities in the satellite communication sector, including the establishment of a satellite monitoring facility and the reservation of spectrum for Indian operators. These initiatives aim to create a robust regulatory framework that supports the growth of India’s satellite industry.
Strategic Measures for Domestic Capability
The Indian government is finalizing a series of strategic measures to bolster its presence in the satellite communication market. Among these initiatives is the establishment of a satellite monitoring facility, which will have an investment of over Rs 930 crore. This facility will be responsible for tracking both Indian and foreign satellites operating within Indian airspace. It will also play a crucial role in monitoring satellite-based communication services and mitigating interference from adjacent satellites. An official from the Digital Communications Commission (DCC) confirmed that the proposal for this facility has already received approval. The facility is expected to enhance coordination and efficiency in satellite operations.
In addition to the monitoring facility, the government plans to reserve spectrum and orbital resources specifically for Indian non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) operators. This move is designed to ensure that Indian entities are not left behind as global players expand their satellite networks. The upcoming Telecom Policy is anticipated to outline these measures, providing a roadmap for the next five years, with a focus on fostering domestic capabilities in the satellite sector.
Current Landscape of Satellite Communication
India currently has a limited presence in the low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications market, which is rapidly gaining traction due to its potential for high-speed and low-latency services. In contrast, global competitors are making significant strides. Starlink has already deployed nearly 7,000 satellites, while Amazon Kuiper plans to launch over 3,000 satellites, and Eutelsat OneWeb operates more than 600 satellites. Despite the Bharti Group’s significant stake in Eutelsat OneWeb, India’s operational capacity remains insufficient compared to these global giants.
Officials have noted that there are currently no Indian LEO satellite operators, but this situation may change in the future. To prevent Indian entities from falling behind, the government is committed to reserving spectrum and orbital slots for emerging Indian ventures. Furthermore, the government is exploring frameworks to promote the establishment of ground stations and gateway infrastructure within India. These gateways are essential for supporting NGSO satellite constellations and are complex, capital-intensive installations that require multiple antennas.
Future Prospects and Economic Potential
The Indian government is optimistic about the future of its space economy, projecting it could reach $44 billion by 2033. Currently, India holds just a 2 percent share of the global space economy, but this is expected to grow to 8 percent as the satellite communication sector expands. The commercial rollout of satellite communication services is anticipated in the coming months, contingent on the allocation of spectrum by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended that satellite communication spectrum be allocated for five years at a fee of 4 percent of adjusted gross revenue (AGR).
The government is keen to support the burgeoning startup ecosystem in the satellite communication space. By streamlining and simplifying the regulatory framework, officials aim to unlock the potential of the satellite market in India. The preliminary draft of the new telecom policy is expected to incorporate these structural changes, emphasizing the importance of building domestic capacity while maintaining sovereign control over satellite infrastructure and data.
As these developments unfold, India is poised to emerge as a significant player in the global satellite market, with a focus on enhancing its capabilities and ensuring that national interests are protected in the face of increasing competition.
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