Reliance Jio has written to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) over TRAI’s consultation paper on “Assignment of Spectrum for Space-based Communication Services,” to highlight the need for flexible use of spectrum between satellite and terrestrial networks, particularly Ku and Ka bands.
Jio has emphasised that the idea for flexible spectrum use is based on the most recent advancements in technology and standards, which have enabled the creation of integrated and convergent networks. Jio cited the decision of the government of New Zealand to allocate 24.25-27.5 GHz primarily for mobile use, with the option of including some satellite services in some regions. Bands between 27.5-28.35 GHz will be shared by mobile and satellite services, while bands between 28.35-29.5 GHz will be reserved for satellite services with the potential of including some mobile use.
According to TRAI’s consultation paper, the Ku band ranges from 10 GHz to 15 GHz, while the Ka band ranges from 17 GHz to 31 GHz, and the Ku band can be used for both fixed and mobile satellite services. The frequency is also widely utilised for direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcasts and satellite internet services.
However, Jio wants that whatever quantum is set aside for satellite services in the Ka and Ku bands be flexible in its use.
Furthermore, Jio has stated that technological advancements such as the development of non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) constellations in international mobile telecommunications (IMT) bands to provide satellite direct-to-device services, as well as many device makers supporting the use of satellite networks on their devices, indicate that the evolving technological landscape is supportive of integrated networks, and these may be dominant networks in the next 20 years.
