In the ongoing debate over satellite spectrum allocation, the president of the Satcom Industry Association (SIA)-India, Subba Rao Pavuluri, has advocated for the adoption of the globally accepted administered auction model. Speaking to Business Today, Pavuluri emphasised that the distribution of satellite spectrum should follow the established international practice.
While telecom giants Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea (Vi) support the auctioning of satellite spectrum, OneWeb, backed by Bharti Airtel and Elon Musk's Starlink, prefer an administrative approach for its allocation.
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Pavuluri raised concerns that auctioning the spectrum would lead to monopolisation by a select few players, potentially resulting in the creation of monopolies. To prevent this, he argued that an administered process was necessary to ensure fair distribution. Satellite spectrum, he noted, has the potential to bridge the digital divide by providing last-mile internet connectivity, making it a crucial resource for ensuring equal access to communication services.
Highlighting the significance of satellite communication in education, Pavuluri suggested that virtual classrooms could be established, enabling top-quality teachers to reach students across the country. This would eliminate the disparity between urban and rural educational institutions, empowering students in remote areas.
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Pavuluri commended the space sector reforms introduced in 2020, including the establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) as the space technology regulator and promoter. He also expressed the need for the Space Activities Bill to become law, as it would serve as a significant milestone in the sector's growth.
By advocating for an administered distribution model for the satellite spectrum and recognising its potential impact on various sectors, Pavuluri highlighted the importance of equitable access to satellite communication services for India's development.
