ISRO releases draft policy to boost private players' participation in space communications

As Union government gave its d to bring reforms in   sector by allowing private players' participation, Indian Research Organisation (ISRO) has released draft of a new com Policy 2020. policy will regulate commercial use of satellites, orbital slots, and ground stations for communication needs. policy also details how private players can get authorisation for setting up new communication satellites and ground stations.

private players in communication sector will also enable India to keep pace with growing demand for satellite-based broadcasting, network connectivity, and global mobile personal communication, policy document states. This will also establish India as a significant player in global communication sector, it added.  new policy is kept open for comments and  last date for submission is vember 4. com policy will come into effect once Union cabinet clears it.

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Only Indian entities will be allowed to seek authorisation

According to policy, only Indian entities will be allowed to seek authorisation for orbital slots for new satellites, services based on existing satellites and setting up new ground stations. Furrmore, any company sending a communication satellite in will also be responsible for any dams to or objects in and environment, policy stated. In order to cover this, companies will have to provide a financial guarantee or insurance cover at time of seeking authorisation from department of and later from Indian National Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-).

policy will also safeguard India’s orbital resources or slots. Getting preferred orbital slots is a long-drawn process that needs a lot of technical coordination and negotiations with or satellite operators of multiple countries to ensure interference-free operation of all satellites. private players will be able to acquire se orbital slots from department of PSUs at a cost.

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However, re is an international time-stipulation for launching a satellite into designated orbit and continued occupancy is essential. Hence, to protect orbital slot, private companies will have a timeline for operationalizing satellites. If any company is unable to replace a satellite, n slot will be allocated to ar. So far India has brought in 32 indigeus operational communication satellites since 1980s.

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