DoT working to simplify regulatory processes for satcom players

On Friday, DoT deputy DG S Niraniyan, while speaking at an industry event, said that the DoT has been working to simplify licensing framework for satcom players.

DoT to Ease Licensing Process for Satcom Players

Niraniyan also talked about how the government and the telecom department were aligned to facilitate satcom. One of the most important of those moves was to allow satcom players to provide satellite backhaul to telecom sites without acquiring any license first. He further added that the government will bring in more positive changes in the satcom market.

He said, "we are also simplifying clearance procedures for satellite networks so that it takes a minimum amount of time to roll out". This statement represents the government's aim to make India a lucrative market for satcom. Niraniyan also urged the satcom players to participate in consultation processes that DoT undertakes. He said that proper participation allows the DoT to fine-tune the regulatory processes.

Furthermore, earlier this year, TRAI had floated a consultation paper, asking for suggestions from the industry. The sector regulator had asked for these suggestions to allow the government to improve regulatory processes. In the consultation paper titled "Ease of Doing Business in Telecom and Broadcasting Sector", TRAI sought views from the industry. More specifically, TRAI asked for views on a single-window clearance system that will allow a simpler application process.

Furthermore, TRAI sought views on time-bound approvals and has talked about involving the Department of Space and other concerned departments. Notably, satcom powerhouses Starlink and OneWeb have been asking for a simpler application process, as they prepare to roll out services in India.

Satcom's Importance to India

Many experts have cited satcom as one of the key technologies that can help connect the country completely. Since the government has been working towards that goal since forever, satcom represents an opportunity to deliver connectivity anywhere, without the need for elaborate ground-based hardware. However, since they compete in the same space, telcos and satcom players are at odds over multiple points.

India Mobile Congress has become the latest forum where both the telcos and the satcom players have spoken about diving in the Rs. 58,764 crore Universal Service Obligation Fund. Before that, the satcom players have repeatedly cited USOF as a source for possible subsidies. On the other hand, the telcos don’t want a single penny going towards any satcom subsidy. Since its inception in 2003, the USOF has been receiving contributions from telecom companies. As such, the telcos have opposed the idea of satcom players getting access to USOF.

USOF subsidy might end up becoming another bone of contention between the telcos and the satcom players. Recently, the DoT had decided to auction the mmWave spectrum, one more issue over which the two sides have been fighting over. The view suggests that the government seeks symmetry in policy frameworks for both telcos and satcom operators.