The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) has urged the Central government to accelerate satellite spectrum allocation under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, to support efforts in bridging the country's digital divide. IAFI said that the rapid advancements in satellite technologies, particularly in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) constellations, have opened new avenues for delivering high-speed internet connectivity to remote and underserved regions, according to an ET report.
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Satcom can Play Crucial Role
According to IAFI, high-speed internet is essential for economic growth, social inclusion, and overall development. It emphasised that satellite communications (satcom) can play a crucial role in bridging India's digital divide. The report noted that the foundation recently addressed a letter to Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on this matter.
"However, delays in spectrum approvals are hindering the deployment of these transformative technologies, impacting India’s ambitious digital connectivity goals," IAFI said, according to the report.
"We urge the Ministry of Communications to expedite the finalisation of licensing norms for satellite services and fast-track pending spectrum allocations to ensure that no citizen is left behind in India's digital future," said Bharat B Bhatia, President of IAFI, as cited in the report.
IAFI has also urged the communications ministry to prioritise establishing clear regulatory guidelines for the seamless integration of non-geostationary (NGSO) systems into India's telecom ecosystem.
India's Space Economy
Satellite broadband services in India are yet to launch, as the government has not finalised rules on pricing and spectrum allocation. This can only happen after the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issues its recommendations.
India's space sector regulator, IN-SPACe, projects that the country's space economy could reach USD 44 billion by 2033, expanding its global share from the current 2 percent to approximately 8 percent.
Also Read: Airtel Satellite Telecom Services Ready for Rollout in India: Report
Bharti Ready for Satellite Rollout
Rajan Bharti Mittal, Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, recently stated that Airtel's satellite telecom services are ready for rollout in India, with the company now awaiting government approval. Bharti Enterprises has already launched 635 satellites and is providing services in other parts of the world.
