India has moved one step forward in terms of commercial roll-out of broadband services via satellite. In a noteworthy development, the government has issued licences for the provision of these services to Jio Satellite Communications and Bharti Enterprises-owned OneWeb.
Both companies have secured pan-Indian internet service provider (ISP) licences, which are essential for delivering internet connectivity to end-users through satellite or mobile networks. The Department of Telecommunications has granted ISP A (national area) and VSAT (very small aperture terminal) licences to OneWeb, and an ISP licence to Jio Satellite.
With global mobile personal communication by satellite (GMPCS) and ISP licences, OneWeb and Jio Satellite are now set to commercially roll out satellite-based internet services. They can provide internet services to end customers using satellites with terrestrial networks or through VSAT.
However, there are some obstacles in achieving this objective. Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb require access to spectrum to provide services directly on the consumer terminal, and a decision on this matter is still pending. Clarity on satellite spectrum allocation is necessary before the companies can begin their services.
Currently, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is without a chairman, which means that there will be a delay in addressing the issue of satellite spectrum allocation. This delay will, in turn, affect the roll-out of satellite-based broadband services by both OneWeb and Jio Satellite.
In this scenario, proactive regulatory measures are essential to accelerate decision-making on satellite spectrum allocation so that companies can start work on the commercialisation of satellite broadband services.
