India To Hold Satellite Spectrum Auction

India will be the first country to auction spectrum for satellite communication, and it should be designed to attract investments in the sector. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Chairman, PD Vaghela said “we will soon make recommendations to make permissions required for satellite communication from various ministries -- Information and Broadcasting, Space and Telecom -- seamless to enhance ease of doing business in the sector. "I think India will be the first to handle the issue of auctioning the space base spectrum. We are working on it.

TRAI is going to come up with a consultation paper in regards to the satellite spectrum auction. The spectrum auction should encourage and promote investment in the sector. TRAI chairman, PD Vaghela said, “It should not present any burden and that was the biggest challenge we have. 5G broadcast technology and content for various verticals can be supported through satellite systems. LEO (low-earth orbit), MEO (medium earth orbit), and GEO (geosynchronous earth orbit) satellite constellations, software-defined satellites, and steerable beams are revolutionizing the satellite industry.”

Today, Satcom also has the potential to enhance broadband penetration in India, while lowering the digital divide across India. Vaghela reveals that TRAI is in discussion with experts and regulators worldwide for a suitable model and the consultation paper will be floated after those discussions are over.

Going forward, Nanosatellites and satellite Internet of Things (IoT) would drive the next generation of technology and such innovations are expected to enable connectivity across industries and empower it and the upcoming 6G capability. Innovations in satellite ground stations, orbital services, payloads, operational systems and artificial intelligence would enable satellites to perform more complex functions, said TRAI Chairman.

Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, President & CEO, VARINDIA