New rules by DoT on lawful interception, geofencing and data privacy for satellite telecom services, released this week, are unexceptional - apart from them being proposed soon after a terrorist attack in Kashmir. A security framework for satcom services is necessary before these networks are deployed. Satcom's reach in remote and sensitive locations heightens sensitivity to security issues.
Most operators preparing to offer satcom - Elon Musk's Starlink, Amazon's Kuiper, Eutelsat OneWeb - are broadly aligned with GoI's security concerns and shouldn't face difficulty in compliance. The larger issue is allocation of spectrum, where terrestrial and satellite networks have in the past aired opposing views over differentiated pricing.
But since the overlap between satellite and terrestrial networks is likely to be limited, finding an acceptable pricing formula is not going to be too difficult.
DoT rules also set out localisation metrics for ground equipment, which dial in commercial and security considerations. India wants to up its game in electronics manufacturing, and telecom equipment is a vital part of this portfolio.
The move should also help make terrestrial equipment affordable in the Indian satcom market. It also lowers dependence on hardware originating in countries with whom India does not share a comfortable security relationship. Domestic capacity to build satcom ground equipment should move the country closer to its aim of commercial exploitation of space as it steps up public-funded exploration of the solar system.
Because of its complexity, satcom may struggle to match the defence terrestrial networks have against cyberattacks. Ground and user segments of satcom are more vulnerable to cyber threats, with serious consequences for government and commercial activity based on satcom.
The next decade is set to see an explosion of communication, broadcasting, navigation and meteorology services rendered through satellites. The sector needs a standardised set of regulations to ensure undisrupted economic benefits.
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But since the overlap between satellite and terrestrial networks is likely to be limited, finding an acceptable pricing formula is not going to be too difficult.
DoT rules also set out localisation metrics for ground equipment, which dial in commercial and security considerations. India wants to up its game in electronics manufacturing, and telecom equipment is a vital part of this portfolio.
The move should also help make terrestrial equipment affordable in the Indian satcom market. It also lowers dependence on hardware originating in countries with whom India does not share a comfortable security relationship. Domestic capacity to build satcom ground equipment should move the country closer to its aim of commercial exploitation of space as it steps up public-funded exploration of the solar system.
Because of its complexity, satcom may struggle to match the defence terrestrial networks have against cyberattacks. Ground and user segments of satcom are more vulnerable to cyber threats, with serious consequences for government and commercial activity based on satcom.
The next decade is set to see an explosion of communication, broadcasting, navigation and meteorology services rendered through satellites. The sector needs a standardised set of regulations to ensure undisrupted economic benefits.
