{"id":42990,"date":"2024-10-17T11:46:43","date_gmt":"2024-10-17T06:16:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=42990"},"modified":"2025-10-06T11:50:46","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T06:20:46","slug":"satcom-spectrum-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/satcom-spectrum-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Satcom Spectrum in India: Administrative Allocation and Its Impacts"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong>What\u2019s in today\u2019s article?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Why in News?<\/li>\n<li>What is Airwaves\/Spectrum?<\/li>\n<li>What is Satellite spectrum?<\/li>\n<li>Auction vs administrative allocation of spectrum<\/li>\n<li>Satellite spectrum to be allocated administratively in India<\/li>\n<li>Spectrum allocation controversies in India<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Why in News?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Speaking on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress, Telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that satcom spectrum will be allocated administratively but will come at a cost.<\/p>\n<p>As per the announcement, the cost of spectrum and the formula of allocation will be decided by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What is Airwaves\/Spectrum?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Airwaves are radio frequencies within the electromagnetic spectrum that can carry information wirelessly for a range of services including telecommunications.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>The government manages and allocates airwaves to companies or sectors for their use.<\/li>\n<li>The government auctions a fixed amount of spectrum within specified band\/s to be utilised by operators for providing communication services to consumers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiram-prod.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/Radio_Spectrum_aec53ec022.webp\" alt=\"Radio Spectrum.webp\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>What is Satellite spectrum?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>About<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Satellite spectrum refers to the range of radio frequencies used by satellites to communicate with ground stations, other satellites, and various devices on Earth.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>These frequencies are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, specifically the radio waves, and are allocated for different satellite services, such as communication, broadcasting, navigation, and Earth observation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regulation<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>The use of satellite spectrum is regulated by international bodies like the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/what-is-the-international-telecommunication-union-itu\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>International Telecommunication Union (ITU)<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>ITU coordinates and allocates frequencies to prevent interference between different satellite systems and other forms of communication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Satellite Frequency Bands<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>L-band<\/strong> (1-2 GHz): Used for GPS and mobile satellite services.<\/li>\n<li><strong>S-band<\/strong> (2-4 GHz): Used for weather radar, air traffic control, and mobile satellite services.<\/li>\n<li><strong>C-band<\/strong> (4-8 GHz): Commonly used for satellite TV broadcasting and data communications.<\/li>\n<li><strong>X-band<\/strong> (8-12 GHz): Used primarily by the military for radar and communication.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ku-band<\/strong> (12-18 GHz) and <strong>Ka-band<\/strong> (26-40 GHz): Used for satellite television, internet, and high-throughput data transmission.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Auction vs administrative allocation of spectrum<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Auction<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Auctions involve competitive bidding, where spectrum licenses are sold to the highest bidder, promoting efficient resource allocation and generating revenue for the government.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>This method ensures transparency, reducing the chances of favoritism or corruption, and is commonly used in commercial telecommunications for optimal spectrum usage.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Auctions are preferred in competitive markets where multiple entities compete for access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Administrative allocation<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Administrative allocation involves the government directly assigning spectrum licenses without a bidding process, often for a nominal fee covering administrative costs.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>This method is used when auctions are impractical, offering flexibility for sectors like national security, public services, or emerging industries like satellite communications.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>It is suitable for areas with low competition or where frequency sharing among users is feasible, ensuring easier access to resources for specialized or government-related services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key differences between auction and administrative allocation<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>The auction method is competitive, market-driven, and generates significant revenue, ensuring transparency by allocating spectrum to the highest bidder, making it ideal for commercial markets.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>In contrast, administrative allocation is a direct government assignment with lower fees, offering flexibility but less transparency, suited for government services or specialized sectors.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Both methods are essential in spectrum management, with the choice depending on regulatory goals and market needs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Satellite spectrum to be allocated administratively in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>About the news<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>The government has chosen to allocate satellite communication (satcom) spectrum through administrative means, rejecting the auction route.<\/li>\n<li>This development underscores the growing competition for satellite services in the Indian market, which is projected to grow at 36 per cent annually and reach $1.9 billion by 2030.<\/li>\n<li>Starlink, Musk\u2019s company, advocates for direct licensing, aligning with global practices and arguing that spectrum, as a natural resource, should be shared.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>On the other hand, Reliance, led by Ambani, believes that an auction is necessary to ensure fair competition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rationale behind India\u2019s stand<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Unlike terrestrial spectrum which is used for mobile communications, satellite spectrum has no national territorial limits and is international in character.\u00a0\n<ul>\n<li>Satellite spectrum is shared spectrum. If the spectrum is shared, then it cannot be priced individually.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>As a result, satellite spectrum across the world is allocated administratively.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>India, being a signatory of ITU, decided to follow the global practice of allocating satellite spectrum administratively.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Telecommunications Act, 2023<\/strong>, had also added spectrum for satellite communication in the list of administrative allocation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Spectrum allocation controversies in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>India\u2019s spectrum allocation has been controversial, especially due to the shift from auctions to administrative assignments, highlighted by the 2G spectrum scam.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>The scam involved allocating licenses on a first-come, first-served basis, resulting in significant financial losses, with alleged damages of Rs 30,984 crore and a presumptive loss of Rs 1.76 trillion.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Following this, the <strong>Supreme Court mandated auctions for spectrum allocation in 2012<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Despite this, the Telecommunications Act 2023 introduced a non-auction route for allocating satellite spectrum, marking a shift in the regulatory approach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Q.1. Why is India choosing administrative allocation for satellite spectrum?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>India opted for administrative allocation because satellite spectrum, shared globally and regulated by the ITU, cannot be auctioned like terrestrial spectrum. This approach aligns with global practices for satellite communication.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Q.2. What are the key differences between auction and administrative allocation of spectrum?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Auctions involve competitive bidding and revenue generation, while administrative allocation assigns spectrum directly for specialized sectors, offering flexibility and lower fees, but less transparency.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/business\/indias-satcom-spectrum-elon-musk-mukesh-ambani-face-off-9622641\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">India\u2019s position on assigning satcom spectrum sets up an Elon Musk-Mukesh Ambani face-off<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esa.int\/Applications\/Connectivity_and_Secure_Communications\/Satellite_frequency_bands\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">European Space Agency<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/science-technology\/all-about-mobile-spectrum-33106\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Down to Earth<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.business-standard.com\/industry\/news\/explained-how-auction-differs-from-administrative-allocation-of-spectrum-124101600767_1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Business Standard<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn about India&#8217;s decision to allocate satellite communication spectrum administratively, rejecting the auction model, and its potential impacts on the growing satcom industry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":42991,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-42990","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-mains-current-affairs","8":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42990","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42990"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42990\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42991"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42990"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42990"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42990"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}