Lok Sabha Question No. 264 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-27
Subject: Reforms in Satellite Communication
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri P P Chaudhary, Shri Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, Smt. Kriti Devi Debbarman, Dr. Vinod Kumar Bind, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 264 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 TH  NOVEMBER, 2024

## REFORMS IN SATELLITE COMMUNICATION

## 264 SHRI P P CHAUDHARY:

SHRI VISHWESHWAR HEGDE KAGERI:

SMT. KRITI DEVI DEBBARMAN:

DR. VINOD KUMAR BIND:

SHRI PRATAP CHANDRA SARANGI:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONbe pleased to state:

(a) whether  the  Government  has  introduced  reforms  in  satellite  communication,  particularly regarding user terminal stations on moving platforms, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the  specific  measures  taken  to  enhance  accessibility  and  affordability  of  satellite-based services for citizens through these reforms;

- (c) the timeline for implementation of these reforms;

(d) the number of service providers who have shown interest in offering satellite-based services on moving platforms; and

(e) whether the Government has set any targets for coverage expansion and price reduction of satellite-based  services  through  these  reforms,  if  so,  the  details  thereof  mentioning  inter-alia  the monitoring mechanisms put in place in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

(a) Department  of  Telecommunications  (DoT), as  part  of  Satellite  Communication  Reforms2022,  permitted  User  Terminal  stations  on  moving  platforms  for  provisioning  of  satellite-based connectivity,  subject  to  compliance  with  relevant  Telecommunication  Engineering  Centre  (TEC) standard(s)  and  conditions  mentioned  therein,  by  amendment  in  the  Unified  License  issued  on 06.05.2022.

(b) The Satellite Communication Reforms-2022 facilitated ease-of-doing business, streamlined a  number  of  processes  including  implementation  of  'single  scrutiny  workflow'  and  rationalized various  charges.  The  recent  Space  Sector  reforms  enable  larger  participation  of  non-government entities for building/leasing, owning and operating the satellite systems for providing satellite-based services. These reforms aim to enhance the accessibility and affordability of satellite-based services for citizens.

- (c) Satellite Communication Reforms-2022 have already been implemented.

- (d) Satellite-based  communication  service  providers,  namely  Cloudcast  Digital  Limited,  and Hughes  Communications  India  Private  Limited  have  taken  in-principle  clearance  for  providing satellite-based communication services on moving platforms.
- (e) DoT's Satellite Communication Reforms-2022 have simplified the regulatory procedures and reduced financial charges on the licensees. As a result of the recent Space Sector reforms, many satellite  operators  have  shown  interest  and  applied  for  authorization  for  providing  the  satellite communication over India. It is envisaged that with more players, enhanced satellite capacity would be available and competition in this segment will lead to better quality and affordable services, along with expansion of coverage in rural and far-flung areas.

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