Industry body BIF has made a pitch for administrative allocation of satcom spectrum in tune with global norms, arguing that terrestrial concept of 'exclusivity' does not apply to satellite spectrum and so auctioning "is not applicable". "This would be appropriately utilised to provide broadband connectivity across India, and also trigger a rush of investments in new satellite launch applications and rapid growth in satellite broadband services," it said.The BIF has also made a case for rationalisation of levies that "together are to the tune of more than 50 per cent" saying lowering or waiver of levies in the sector would spur rural broadband coverage via satcom. "...the satcom sector offers immense potential, and we believe that much can be done to optimise and leverage the same for adding impetus to our Digital India efforts and aspirations," BIF President TV Ramachandran wrote in the submissions to the telecom department.Various applications in satellite communications are expected to play a major role in promoting and complementing other technologies and socio-economic segments.Deploying new high throughput and capacity satellite technologies is therefore relevant for broadband delivery to businesses and consumers, the industry think tank said while also underscoring satellite's role in 5G. Public Data Offices using satellite-powered VSATs, mobile networks using transportable satellite-powered VSATs, tele-education networks for mass education, Internet of Things for smart metering in the power sector, telemedicine and agriculture, are among new applications based on satcom, it said. "A number of these applications demand high volumes of capacity at affordable prices, necessitating amendment of current regulations," the BIF stated.

Source: Economic Times July 14, 2021 13:37 UTC