Indian telecom operator Bharti Airtel has reiterated its dedication to satellite tv for pc communication (satcom) providers to attach distant and underserved areas throughout the nation. The corporate harassed that its stance stays unchanged, rejecting any claims of a coverage shift. In an announcement, Airtel emphasised its long-standing deal with utilizing satcom know-how to offer high-speed broadband connectivity in hard-to-reach areas, together with maritime, aviation, protection, and catastrophe restoration.
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Dedication to Satcom Expertise
“Airtel has all the time supported the ushering in of satcom providers to attach the uncovered areas within the deep far-flung reaches of the nation for maritime providers, aviation, our defence and safety wants as additionally for catastrophe restoration actions.”
“Even six months again, Airtel had written a letter to Division of Telecommunications (DoT). Subsequently, there isn’t a query of Airtel having moved its stance,” Airtel harassed.
Airtel’s letter to the DoT in March 2024 learn: “The just lately launched Telecommunications Act, 2023 has rightly included satcom in its ambit whereas assigning spectrum for satcom on an administrative foundation. We proceed to strongly assist this strategy.”
“Satcom will act as a complementary service to terrestrial communication providers in bridging the digital inclusion hole and serving particular use instances of non-retail clients, corresponding to protection, mobile backhaul, or rural and distant areas.”
“Accordingly task of satellite tv for pc spectrum on an administrative foundation may be carried out for such use instances. The one exception could also be created for unhindered use by any authorities company and for catastrophe administration in any a part of the nation,” Bharti Airtel’s letter to the DoT learn.
No Coverage Shift Regardless of Claims
“Airtel has all the time maintained that it’s going to use all applied sciences, together with satcom, to make sure that each nook and nook of the nation is roofed for high-speed broadband connectivity. This place stays constant,” Airtel stated on Tuesday, reiterating its present stance.
Airtel’s Partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb
Airtel additionally talked about its partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, which operates a LEO constellation, by way of which it plans to offer satcom providers in India and Africa. Eutelsat OneWeb, in a three way partnership with Airtel, has already arrange two floor stations, one in Gujarat and the opposite in Tamil Nadu, and is awaiting regulatory approval to start business providers.
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Licensing Course of and Cooperation
Airtel additionally identified that satcom operators have to observe the identical licensing course of as telecom firms for city and retail markets, together with spectrum buy, safety compliance, and tax obligations. The corporate referred to as for continued cooperation between telecom and satcom operators to bridge the digital divide and guarantee connectivity for all.
“Satellite tv for pc operators who wish to present providers to city areas and retail clients certainly have to undergo the common licensing means of any nation, and on this case, India, to acquire a license; purchase the spectrum; undertake all of the obligations, together with rollout and safety; pay their license charges and taxes and they’d be welcomed by the telecom fraternity.”
“Subsequently, cellular operators and satcom operators, who’ve labored in concord for many years, can proceed to take action to serve those that are nonetheless struggling to search out web connectivity,” Airtel stated in an announcement.
