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The Department of Space has raised concerns about the new telecom policy and wants spectrum in the S band kept aside for satellite-based services.
In a communication to the Department of Telecom, the space department has said that the policy should promote satellite- based broadband services wherever terrestrial solutions are not feasible.
Broadband satellite
“ISRO is in the process of realising a broadband satellite GSAT-11. This satellite is primarily aimed at providing broadband connectivity to mainland as well as for island region.
“Hence DoS/ISRO is proposing to include an objective in the NTP 2011. The NTP should state that it promotes satellite-based connectivity solutions for islands, remote regions and disaster management,” a letter from DoS Secretary, Dr K. Radhakrishnan, to DoT Secretary stated.
DoS also said that the telecom policy should keep in mind current S-band usage in INSAT-3C satellite, planned GSAT-6/6A and also observation of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The CCS, while deciding on the deal between ISRO and Devas, had said that S-band may not be given for commercial usage. S-band is essentially in the 2.5 Ghz band and is globally used for offering wireless broadband services.
During the auctions held in 2010 for broadband spectrum, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd was given airwaves in this band.
The new telecom policy envisages using this spectrum, along with a bunch of other bands, for mobile services on grounds that it has been identified by the International Telecommunications Union for telecom services.
Satellite services
But DoS now wants the Telecom Ministry to keep the S-band (2500- 2535 Mhz, 2555- 2635 Mhz, 2655- 2690 Mhz) for satellite services.
DoS and DoT have been going back and forth on this issue for a very long time. According to DoT officials, the matter maybe referred to the Group of Ministers.
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