The Indian Space Association (ISpA) asserts that following international practice, India should allocate spectrum for space services administratively, so that the nascent space industry in the country could thrive. The reaction from ISpA comes in the backdrop of a question in the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill 2022, which says that spectrum for services including satellite must be given through auctions.
However, when it comes to allocation of spectrum for satellite communication (satcom), there has been a clear divide among telecom operators. While Bharti Enterprises has requested that the satellite broadband spectrum should be given administratively, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) prefer allocation of spectrum via auction.
Separately, Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, noted that in the coming 25 years India’s space sector will add value to its esteem as the industry has emerged as a strong player in the geospatial world. The minister also informed that the space sector is attracting an increasing number of start-ups lately. As per Singh, space technology has entered every Indian household and is an essential part of every industry and department. That said, the minister also calls on for being self-reliant in the space sector.
