Administrative Allocation of Satellite Spectrum

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance, GS3/ Science and Technology

Context

• The Union Communications Minister confirmed that the spectrum for satellite communication will be allocated administratively, rather than through an auction of airwaves.

What is Satellite spectrum?

• Satellite spectrum refers to the radio frequencies used for satellite communications.
  • These frequencies enable satellite-based systems to transmit data and signals between satellites in orbit and ground stations. 
• Unlike terrestrial spectrum, satellite spectrum operates without national territorial limits and is managed globally by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). 
• Satellite spectrum is divided into different frequency bands, each suited for specific types of communication;
  • L-band (1–2 GHz): Used for mobile satellite services, GPS, and maritime communication.
  • S-band (2–4 GHz): Used for mobile satellite communication, weather satellites, and some satellite TV.
  • C-band (4–8 GHz): Primarily used for satellite TV broadcasting and long-distance communication.
  • X-band (8–12 GHz): Used for military communication and radar applications.
  • Ku-band (12–18 GHz): Common for satellite TV, broadband internet, and fixed satellite services.
  • Ka-band (26–40 GHz): Used for high-speed satellite internet, military communications, and high-resolution satellite imagery.

Potential of Satellite Communication (Satcom) in India

• India’s satcom sector, currently standing at $2.3 billion a year and will reach $20 billion by 2028.
• India is ranked fourth in terms of investments in the sector globally. 
• In India roughly 290.4 million households are untapped with broadband, which present a strong market opportunity for satellite operators.

Benefits of Satellite Communication 

• Satcom services use an array of satellites in orbit to provide connectivity on the ground. They do not require wires to transmit data, and are an alternative to ground-based communication, called terrestrial networks, such as cable, fiber, or digital subscriber line (DSL).
• Wider Coverage: Satcom can reach remote and rural areas that are inaccessible to terrestrial networks. 
• Resilient Network: Satellite-based Internet is generally more resilient than terrestrial services due to fewer components on the ground. This makes it less vulnerable to damage from extreme weather events, ensuring more reliable service during crises.
• Reduced Infrastructure Requirements: Unlike terrestrial networks, which require extensive physical infrastructure (like cables and towers), satcom can cover vast areas with minimal equipment installation.

Spectrum allocation in India

• Spectrum for satcom is part of the first schedule of The Telecommunications Act, 2023 (“Assignment of spectrum through administrative process”). 
• Under Section 4(4) of the Act, telecom spectrum shall be assigned through auction “except for entries listed in the First Schedule for which assignment shall be done by administrative process”.
• Administrative process under the Act means assignment of spectrum without holding an auction (a bid process for assignment of spectrum).

Purpose of Administrative Allocation

• For terrestrial mobile services, spectrum is exclusive, and is managed only by a single mobile operator in a given geographical area; therefore, this cannot be shared between or amongst operators.
• In the case of satellites, the same spectrum is non-exclusive in nature, and can be used by multiple satellite operators to serve the same geographical area.
  • The general trend, therefore, is to allocate satellite spectrum administratively.
• Countries like the US, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia previously held auctions for satellite spectrum, including orbital slots. However, both the US and Brazil reverted to administrative assignment after finding auctions impractical.

Source: IE