Firms may need fresh licence to provide satcom services

Existing licence-holding satcom players unsure whether new authorisation would be automatic

- SUBHAYAN CHAKRABORTY

Companies will again have to go through the application and approval process for beginning satcom services in India, according to people in the know.

Current rules mandate that satellite communications providers hold two licences to offer satellite-based broadband services in India: They are "Very Small Aperture Terminal Closed User Group (VSAT-CUG)" and "Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite Services (GMPCS)".

Last week, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) brought out a consultation paper on network authorisation, asking the industry whether separate authorisation is needed for satcom services and for Satellite Earth Station Gateways in particular.

Industry insiders say there remains confusion on whether existing licence holders would automatically get the new licence or will have to begin afresh the application process.

"There is no clarity yet on licensing," an official from a satcom service provider said.