Telecom regulator Trai on Thursday recommended the Government to reduce/remove various levies imposed on satellite operators as well as measures like avoiding intermediaries in the segment to make services affordable.
The regulator, in its recommendations on licensing framework for satellite-based connectivity for low bit rate applications, has suggested allowing use of all types of satellites for low bit rate connectivity.
It also recommended use of foreign satellites for providing connectivity for a longer duration than the permissible 3-5 years at present.
Low bit rate services are required for machine-to-machine communications, sensors used for tracking cargo, vehicles, railway and traffic signals, soil content for farming, among others.
“The service licensees should be mandated to establish the earth station in India, corresponding to the chosen foreign satellite or satellite system, prior to using the leased capacities,” Trai recommended.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) said providing choice to the VSAT operators to directly negotiate and execute agreements with the satellite system provider will also help in avoiding the intermediaries and making the satellite-based services affordable.
The regulator has not recommended any separate licence for low bit rate services but has suggested amendment in the existing GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite) licence meant for satellite services.
Trai has also pitched for lowering the spectrum usage charges to 1 per cent from 4 per cent for low bit rate satellite connectivity. “Replacing the existing formula-based mechanism, spectrum usage charges for using satellite frequencies under the GMPCS service authorization should be prescribed as 1 per cent of AGR. These charges would cover the entire spectrum charges for handsets/user devices as well as for earth stations,” Trai said.
The regulator has also recommended removal of network operations and control centre (NOCC) charges and facilitation charges by the government when hiring foreign capacities from the approved list of foreign players.