SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
Eutelsat OneWeb, Jio seek provisional satellite spectrum to be future-ready
Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio, in a meeting with Scindia and space ecosystem stakeholders, sought provisional satellite spectrum for fast launches. Holding GMPCS licenses and IN-SPACe approvals, with pending DoT and landing rights authorisations, they aim to compete with Kuiper and Starlink. India's space economy could hit $44 billion by 2033 with appropriate policies.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 grounded after failure dooms batch of Starlink satellites
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket on Friday following the craft's breakup in space and the loss of its Starlink satellite payload. This incident marked the first failure in more than seven years for the rocket, which is a mainstay for the global space industry.
Trai told to suggest pricing & terms for satellite spectrum
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has requested the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to propose pricing, terms, and conditions for the administrative allocation of satellite airwaves under the newly enacted Telecommunications Act, 2023. This move comes as the Act mandates spectrum allocation for satellite services without auctions. Trai officials, while confirming the reference from DoT, anticipate providing recommendations after consulting stakeholders, aiming to finalize rules by year-end. This administrative spectrum allocation is intended for point-to-point connections, excluding direct retail consumer services, pending definition through forthcoming regulations.
US court rejects challenges to FCC approval of SpaceX satellites
A U.S. appeals court has upheld the FCC's approval of SpaceX's plan to deploy thousands of Starlink satellites for broadband internet. Challenges from DISH Network and astronomers were rejected. SpaceX aims to expand its satellite network for wider internet coverage.
TV channels told to seek IN-SPACe nod before using foreign satellite capacity
In an advisory dated July 10, the MIB stated that the existing arrangements for provisioning of capacity in C, Ku or Ka frequency bands from foreign satellite operators can be extended till March 31, 2025.
Amazon's Project Kuiper in queue for satcom licence
Amazon is the fourth firm to seek such a licence in India to offer space communications services after Eutelsat OneWeb, Jio's satcom unit, and Starlink as competition in the still nascent Indian broadband-from-space market hots up.
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Space regulator nod must from April 1 next year for use of non-Indian satellites
The Indian government has issued an advisory requiring satellite television broadcasters to obtain authorisation from IN-SPACe, India's space regulator, for using non-Indian satellites starting from April 1, 2025. This directive aligns with the Indian Space Policy-2023 implemented by IN-SPACe, which mandates that only authorised non-Indian satellites can provide services in India.
Space regulator nod must from April 2025 for use of non-Indian satellites
The government advises private television channel broadcasters to get IN-SPACe authorisation for non-Indian satellites by April 1, 2025. Following the Indian Space Policy-2023 and May NGP issuance, existing services continue until March 31, 2025. From April 2025, only authorised GSO/NGSO satellites can provide services. New capacity in C, Ku, Ka bands requires authorisation through an Indian Entity.
Most telecoms want price reduction in 40GHz spectrum band
Telecom companies in India are advocating for a 50% reduction in the reserve price of newly identified high-frequency spectrum ranges in the 40GHz band, citing the high costs associated with building networks in these bands compared to lower frequency bands. This proposal comes ahead of India's first auction of mmWave spectrum for 5G services, encompassing frequency ranges critical for mobility and satellite communications.
Is Russia planning to detonate a nuclear bomb in space? Here is everything you need to know
Russia had launched a satellite into space in 2022. Many suspect that it could be a nuclear weapon. This has raised questions pertaining to the nuclearization of space and its consequences.
NASA satellite GOLD makes startling discovery. What are these X- and C-shaped formations around Earth? Details here
NASA's GOLD satellite discovered unexpected shapes in Earth's ionosphere, challenging existing beliefs and emphasizing the need for further study.
Russian satellite breaks up in space, forces ISS astronauts to shelter
A Russian satellite, defunct in nature, has now broken up into a hundred pieces, forcing astronauts aboard the International Space Station to take shelter from the space jump already in the outer universe.
Apple expands iPhone satellite connectivity with latest OS update, but itwon’t reach Indian iPhones yet
Apple has enhanced satellite connectivity on iPhones with iOS 18, enabling users to send and receive messages via satellite in areas with no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Initially limited to emergency services, this feature is now available for regular messaging in 16 countries, but is yet to be launched in India pending regulatory approvals. The update leverages existing satellite technology and allows users to seamlessly switch to satellite for messaging, ensuring connectivity even in remote areas without the need for a satellite terminal.
Jio-SES JV Orbit Connect gets IN-SPACe authorisation to enter satcom space
Orbit Connect India, a joint venture between Reliance Jio Platforms and SES, has obtained crucial landing rights and market access authorizations from IN-SPACe, India's space regulator. This move positions Jio against Bharti Enterprises-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, Elon Musk's Starlink, and Amazon's Kuiper in India's satellite communications sector. Jio is also seeking trial satellite spectrum from the DoT for advanced trials on its nationwide satellite broadband network, aiming for an early allocation to begin trials.
Jio Satellite Communications seeks trial spectrum after IN-Space clearance
The Department of Telecom has already granted satellite communication service licence GMPCS and internet service provider licence to Jio Satellite Communications.
Reliance's Jio Platforms clears hurdle in bid to launch satellite internet in India
Joint venture between Reliance Industries' Jio Platforms and SES, based in Luxembourg, has received the green light from the Indian space regulator to operate satellites in the country, according to a government official. Orbit Connect India, aimed at delivering high-speed internet access via satellites, has secured three approvals. This development emerges amidst a competitive landscape where companies like Amazon.com and Elon Musk's Starlink are seeking approval to launch satellite communication services in India, the world's most populous nation.
Jyotiraditya Scindia takes charge as Minister of Communications
Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia has emphasized the importance of the telecom division and India post division on both a global and local level. Scindia, who has previously served as civil aviation minister in the Modi cabinet, pledged to deliver according to the Prime Minister's aspirations and the 140 crore people of the country. He also highlighted the challenges of overseeing India's 5G spectrum auction, retaining India's three-private player telecom market structure, and ensuring the survival of Vodafone Idea, the government's largest stakeholder.
Jyotiraditya Scindia is new telecom minister
Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Minister of Communications in the Modi Cabinet 3.0, faces key challenges in overseeing the 5G spectrum auction, ensuring the survival of Vodafone Idea, and implementing new telecom rules. His role also involves making decisions on satellite spectrum usage and improving the quality of telecom services for consumers. Scindia's return to the Cabinet marks a significant political journey from the Congress to the BJP, highlighting his academic background and past political affiliations.
DoT aims to notify rules under Telecom Act soon
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) aims to notify rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 within 100 days of the new government taking charge. The rules will streamline the regulatory framework, ensuring compliance, and cover spectrum allotment, satellite communications, biometric data, and more, with a focus on customer data security and technology changes.
Elon Musk, Indonesian health minister, launch Starlink for health sector
Musk, the billionaire head of SpaceX and Tesla, arrived on the Indonesian resort island of Bali by private jet before attending the launch ceremony at a community health centre in the provincial capital, Denpasar.
Trai to shortly release views on regulating communication apps
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is set to provide recommendations on the possible regulation of over-the-top (OTT) communication apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. The consultation process initiated in July last year continues, with stakeholders having provided their comments.
Strong solar storm could disrupt communications and produce northern lights in US
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a rare geometric storm watch - the first in nearly 20 years. The watch starts Friday and lasts all weekend.
DoT set to seek clarity, security clearance from NSCS on satcom
Officials familiar with the matter revealed that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is expected to approach the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) to seek approval and clarification regarding satellite communications, particularly concerning data transfer, usage, and the equipment and components utilized in satellite gateways located in India.
Indonesia says Elon Musk's Starlink granted licences to operate
Starlink's network of low Earth orbit satellites can provide internet to remote locations or areas that have had normal communications infrastructure disabled. Indonesia is a vast archipelago of more than 17,000 islands and Jakarta is seeking to connect millions more of its population who are not hooked up to reliable internet services.
Access to international orbital slots opens new doors for Indian satcom companies
Experts and industry executives said this will allow Indian players to tap surplus international satellite capacities to deliver satcom services at competitive rates in India.
Elon Musk's Starlink one step away from getting greenlit in India with in-principle govt nod
The Telecom Ministry has granted an in-principle approval to Elon Musk's Starlink for satellite communications services in India, ahead of Musk's visit to the country. The approval follows almost three-and-a-half years of deliberation and awaits final vetting by the Home Ministry. Once approved, Starlink will receive a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license, a crucial step for offering satellite communication services in India.
Airtel versus Jio: More shots fired in the satcom space battle
Airtel and Jio stand sharply divided on various issues related to satcom and have battled each other over complexities that surround satcom. The rivalry between the two biggies, with other satcom players also divided sharply, continues. A few days ago, they locked horns over the usage and price of satcom.
Trai seeks opinions from stakeholders on spectrum auction for IMT and satellite communication
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is seeking stakeholders' opinion on auctioning spectrum for international mobile telecommunication (IMT) and satellite communication. The Department of Telecommunications has identified specific frequency ranges for these services. Trai is soliciting opinions on the quantum of airwaves, validity period, service areas, pricing, and other metrics for the upcoming auction.
US agency probes risks of foreign satellite use by handheld devices
The Federal Communications Commission has concerns US handheld devices are receiving and processing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals from satellites controlled by foreign adversaries in violation of commission rules.
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