Why in the News

The Digital Communications Commission (DCC) has approved most of TRAI’s recommendations on spectrum allocation for satellite communication.
Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications have received permission to provide satellite communication services in India.

DoT = Department of Telecommunications.

It is a department under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
It is responsible for telecom policy, licensing, spectrum management and regulation-related functions.
The Digital Communications Commission (DCC) is the highest decision-making body within DoT.
TRAI is the independent statutory regulator that makes recommendations, while DoT/Government takes the final decision on matters such as licensing and spectrum assignment.

The Telecommunications Act, 2023 provides for administrative assignment of spectrum for specified satellite-based services.
Satellite spectrum is a shared resource, unlike spectrum used for exclusive terrestrial networks.
Frequencies and orbital resources require international coordination through the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Terrestrial telecom operators have raised concerns about competitive parity, since they acquire spectrum through auctions.

Provides connectivity in remote and difficult terrain where fibre and terrestrial backhaul are not viable.
LEO satellites offer lower latency than geostationary satellites.
Useful for:
- Rural and remote connectivity
- Maritime and aviation communication
- Disaster-resilient communications
- Areas where terrestrial networks are damaged or unavailable
Satellite networks are expected to complement rather than replace terrestrial networks.

High cost: Satellite terminals and services can be expensive compared with India’s low-cost terrestrial broadband.
Limited capacity: Satellite capacity is shared among users within a footprint.
Security requirements: Lawful interception, domestic gateways and data-routing requirements increase compliance complexity.
Orbital congestion: Growing satellite constellations increase collision and space-debris risks.
Competition concerns: Differences in spectrum assignment methods may create concerns regarding a level playing field between satellite and terrestrial operators.

Target satellite broadband initially towards remote institutions, schools, health centres and government facilities.
Link authorisation with coverage obligations for underserved areas.
Strengthen space debris mitigation and deorbiting requirements.
Maintain a transparent framework for spectrum pricing, assignment and security compliance.
Develop a complementary model integrating satellite and terrestrial networks.

TRAI: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
Established in 1997 under the TRAI Act, 1997.
Regulates the telecommunications sector.
Functions include:
- Tariff regulation
- Quality of service standards
- Telecom regulations
Its recommendations on licensing and spectrum assignment are advisory, with the final decision resting with the government.
TDSAT handles telecom disputes and appeals against specified regulatory decisions.

DCC → Highest decision-making body within DoT.
DCC Chairperson → Telecom Secretary.
TRAI → Statutory telecom regulator.
Telecommunications Act, 2023 → Provides framework for spectrum assignment.
Satellite spectrum → Generally administratively assigned for specified services.
ITU → International coordination of radio frequencies and orbital resources.
LEO satellites → Lower latency than GEO satellites.
IS4OM → Space situational awareness and safe space operations.

[2011] Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when:

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:A

[a] 1, 2 and 3 only

[b] 1, 3 and 4 only

[c] 2 and 4 only

[d] 1, 2,3 and 4