A Policy Framework for Satellite Communication in India

The fundamental aim of the Policy Frame-work for Satellite Communications in India approved by the Cabinet is to develop a healthy and thriving communications satellite and ground equipment industry as well as satellite communications service industry in India.

• Also, use and further development of the capabilities built in India in the area of satellites, launch vehicles and ground equipment design and sustaining these capabilities is an equally important aim.
• Making available the infrastructure built through INSAT to a larger segment of the economy and population is another corner stone of the Policy.
• Encouraging the private sector investment in the space industry in India and attracting foreign investments in this area are other specific goals.
• The norms, guidelines and procedures have been evolved so as to help reach these aims and goals.
• The Frame-work for Satellite Communication Policy in India as approved by Government in 1997 is as follows:-
  1. Authorise INSAT capacity to be leased to non-government (Indian and foreign) parties following certain well defined norms;
  2. Allow Indian parties to provide services including TV uplinking through Indian Satellites, subject to certain terms and conditions which are to be spelt out;
  3. Authorise Indian Administration in consultation with Department of Space and other concerned regulatory authorities to inform, notify, co-ordinate and register satellite systems and networks by and for Indian private parties following certain well defined and transparent norms.
  4. The satellite systems of all Government agencies to be established by Department of Space.
     1. Operation from Indian soil with foreign satellites may be allowed only in special cases to be notified. These may be in the case of overseas services using international inter-governmental systems, systems owned and operated by Indian Parties but registered in other countries before rules for registrations have been formulated in India, international private systems where there is a substantial Indian participation by way of equity or in kind contribution and where considered necessary reciprocal arrangements could be worked out with the country/countries of registration or ownership.
     2. While operations from Indian soil may be allowed with both Indian and foreign Satellites, proposals envisaging use of the Indian satellites will be accorded preferential treatment.
     3. Satellite broadcasting including Direct to Home (DTH) TV broadcasting, may be licensed by the Licensing Authority constituted under the relevant statute, on Indian Satellite Systems or any other satellite system, excepting those prohibited for the purpose by the competent authority, notified by the Central Government in this regard, on technical or security considerations. In cases where operations of services with foreign satellites are licensed, the Licensing Authority at the time of renewal or re-issue of licenses for these services, will require the licensee to opt for the Indian Satellite System subject to availability of capacity which meets the requirement of the service.
     4. Department of Space should ensure that the various provisions of the Policy would conform to the proposed Broadcasting Law.
  5. Suitably take into account the above policy in the regulations and the laws that may be evolved in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.