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Mahesh

23/10/24 12:15 PM IST

Satellite spectrum

In News
  • Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified recently that spectrum for satellite communication (satcom) would be allocated “administratively”, rather than through an auction of airwaves.
Satcom & its benefits
  • Satcom services use an array of satellites in orbit to provide connectivity on the ground.
  • They do not require wires to transmit data, and are an alternative to ground-based communication, called terrestrial networks, such as cable, fibre, or digital subscriber line (DSL).
  • For end-users such as homes and businesses, satellite-based communication and broadband services offer two key benefits: wider coverage, and a more resilient network.
  • Even though the latency of satcom services can at times be higher than terrestrial broadband networks, they can cover vast areas without needing to install much physical equipment.
  • The use of satellites allows communication networks to reach remote locations that mobile telephony cannot access.
  • It is generally understood that when satcom services become more mainstream, low-lying and rural areas, and areas prone to natural disasters, will benefit from constant connectivity.
  • Satellite-based Internet is also believed to be more resilient than terrestrial-based services, since they have comparatively fewer components on the ground.
  • The equipment for satellite communication is, therefore, less likely to sustain damage due to extreme weather events.
  • India is ranked fourth in terms of investments in the sector globally.
  • Investment bank Morgan Stanley has estimated roughly 290.4 million households in India are untapped with broadband, which present a strong market opportunity for satellite operators.
Auction vs allocation
  • It is important to understand the key difference between spectrum for terrestrial networks and satellite communication, and why the distinction between allocation and auctioning arises in the first place.
  • For terrestrial mobile services, spectrum is exclusive, and is managed only by a single mobile operator in a given geographical area; therefore, this cannot be shared between or amongst operators.
  • In the case of satellites, the same spectrum is non-exclusive in nature — and can be used by multiple satellite operators to serve the same geographical area.
  • The general trend, therefore, is to allocate satellite spectrum administratively.
Auction around the world
  • A few countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, have held auctions for frequency spectrum in the past.
  • The US and Brazil conducted an auction of satellite spectrum along with orbital slots.
  • Both countries have since reverted to administrative assignment after finding the auction process infeasible.
  • The US last conducted an auction for satellite spectrum in 2004 for three domestic orbital slots for broadcasting services.
  • The annual regulatory fee for VSAT and equivalent C-Band antennas operating in the 12 GHz and 14 GHz frequencies is $595 per licence or authorisation.
  • Brazil amended its regulatory framework in 2020 to replace satellite auctions with administrative licensing.
  • Though satellite landing rights are assigned through bidding in the country, the spectrum to be used for satellite services is not auctioned separately.
  • Saudi Arabia recently conducted a spectrum auction in the S-band, which ranges from 2 GHz to 4 GHz and is used for mobile satellite services (MSS) as well as weather and air traffic control applications.
  • The technical characteristics of the S-band are such that it is assigned on an exclusive basis for MSS; auction can, therefore, be conducted in a manner similar to the spectrum auction for terrestrial mobile services.
Source- Indian Express

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