TRAI publishes recommendations for a SESG licencing structure

A satellite gateway is a ground station that transfers data to and from the satellite to the local area network. It is also known as a teleport. It contains the technology and antennas needed to transform radio frequency signals for terrrestrial connectivity into Internet protocol signals.

Satellite Earth Station Gateway(SESG) should have a distinct pan-Indian licence, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's(TRAI) recommendations.

In announcing the licencing framework for setting up and running SESGs, TRAI stated on Tuesday that proposed SESG licence under Section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act may be valid for a period of 20 years, with an option for renewal for another 10 years.

A satellite gateway is a ground station that transfers data to and from the satellite to the local area network. It is also known as a teleport. It contains the technology and antennas needed to transform radio frequency signals for terrrestrial connectivity into Internet protocol signals. Only business that are registered in India under the Companies Act of 2013 are eligible to apply for a SESG Licence.

The SESG licensee should be allowed to set up, operate, and maintain SESGs anywhere on Indian territory for all satellite systems for which permission has been granted. It should also be allowed to supply satellite-based resources to any organisation that has a licence or permission from the DoT or the MIB and is allowed to use satellite media for the delivery of services under those licenses or permissions, further recommended TRAI.

The recommendations also state that the SESG licensee may create SESGs in relation to one or more satellite systems that have received government approval, but that it is not permitted to offer any type of bradcasting or telecommunication service directly to consumers without first obtaining the necessary government licenses, authorizations, or permissions.

It suggested that a one-time, non-refundable entry fee of Rs 10 lakh be charged for the issuance of a SESG license. "Only a token license Fee of 1 Rupee per year shall be charged on SESG licenses because the SESG licensees won't be offering any services directly to end users," according to the statement.

The DoT had earlier requested TRAIs's suggestions on the licencing framework for the development of a satellite gateway in a letter dated SEptember 10, 2021.

Finally, TRAI recommended that the licensees and permission holders for telecommunications and broadcasting services who are qualified to offer satellite-based communication services in India may choose to build their own satellite earth station gateways, if allowed by their licences or permissions, or use SESGs already established by SESG licensees by connecting their baseband equipment with the SESGs at the terms and consitions offered by the SESG licensees.