MIB tells TV channels to seek Indian space centre’s nod before using foreign satellites
The ministry has said that only satellites authorised by IN-SPACe can provide space-based communication and broadcast services in India
The ministry of information and broadcasting has directed all satellite TV channels to seek the authorisation of the government’s Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) before utilising services of a non-Indian satellite capacity for broadcasting service.
In an advisory, the ministry said that only satellites authorised by IN-SPACe can provide space-based communication and broadcast services in India and any new or additional capacity must comply with these authorisation requirements.
“Any new capacity, additional capacity, change of satellite etc. on non-Indian Satellite/Constellation needs IN-SPACe Authorization, through an Indian Entity, in order to enable provisioning of its capacity to users for communication/ broadcast services in Indian Territory.
“Applications for IN-SPACe authorization must be submitted through the IN-SPACe digital platform by an Indian Entity. This entity could be an Indian subsidiary, joint venture or collaboration, or an authorized dealer/ representative of the non-Indian satellite operator in India,” said the MIB in its notification.
It, however, allowed the existing arrangements for provisioning of capacity in any of the frequency bands (C, Ku or Ka) from the Non-Indian Satellite operators an extension till 31st March, 2025.
“Effective from 01.04.2025 only IN-SPACe authorized non-Indian GSO satellites and/or NGSO satellite constellations are permitted for provisioning their capacity to provide space-based communication/ broadcast services in India,” it said.
