SIA-India’s Advocacy Triumph: Telecom Bill 2023 Revolution

In a historic and transformative resolution to advertise structural reforms within the telecom sector, the Indian Parliament authorized the Telecom Bill 2023 on Thursday, December 21, 2023. This landmark transfer repeals the colonial period 138-year-old Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. and underscores a dedication to the event, growth, and operation of telecommunication providers in an unprecedented method, bringing a contemporary and future-ready authorized framework.

The invoice goals to make sure widespread entry to telecommunication providers via satellite tv for pc spectrum task in a liberalized and technologically impartial method. The authorized invoice adopts a non-auction route and proposes to assign the satellite tv for pc spectrum via administrative methodology aligning with world finest practices, and emphasizing world harmonization and standardization for satellite tv for pc spectrum assignments. In this context, SIA-India gratefully recollects and quotes the phrases of Hon’ble Prime Minister within the Parliament, that are to be engraved in golden letters in annals of area historical past in India. During his intervention, he emphasised that ‘the non-auction route for the allocation of satellite tv for pc spectrum is important for nationwide safety.”. This groundbreaking step seeks to bridge the digital divide, improve rural and distant connectivity, and assist important sectors, thereby reworking India’s satellite tv for pc panorama facilitating the entry of latest applied sciences and rivals into the market, selling innovation.

SIA-India, backed by its satellite tv for pc operation and providers members corresponding to Viasat/Inmarsat, Asiasat, Hughes Communication, SES, Intelsat, Telesat, Lamhas, and Omnispace, has steadfastly advocated for progressive satcom insurance policies, significantly emphasizing spectrum task via administrative licensing. The affiliation assumes an important position in shaping the way forward for satellite tv for pc communications within the nation, with its unwavering advocacy efforts extending over 33 months and culminating on this pivotal legislative milestone. At this momentous juncture, SIA-India is happy to document that the Association’s steady and devoted efforts and engagement with greater echelons and policymakers in any respect involved ranges within the authorities throughout this era has confirmed fruitful, in fostering the expansion of a strong satellite tv for pc trade in India.

“The Telecom Bill represents a big stride in aligning India’s satellite tv for pc trade with world requirements. We prolong our appreciation to the Ministry for his or her efforts in understanding and incorporating the trade’s views. SIA-India additionally expresses gratitude to the DoT, ISRO, INSPACe and TRAI for his or her priceless assist. Our affiliation stays steadfast in working collaboratively with the federal government to foster the event of a vibrant and aggressive satellite tv for pc sector,” commented Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of SIA-India.

“The Telecom Bill acknowledges the pivotal position of satellite tv for pc digital connectivity in India’s strategic initiatives, enhancing rural connectivity, nationwide defence, catastrophe administration, and supporting sectors like agriculture, well being, and training. With over 1300 Gati Shakti tasks and varied nationwide missions, the demand for broadband connectivity is essential. This aligns with the blurring traces between distant and close to in sectors like transport, ports, waterways, tolls, roads, and highways. The ongoing dynamics of migration, amplified by Covid-19, spotlight the necessity for resilient and environment friendly connectivity. National missions like SMART CITIES, UDAAN, National Health Mission, New Education Policy, and PM WANI require a number of entry applied sciences, the place space-based satellite tv for pc providers develop into essential. The Telecom Bill’s spectrum task for satellite tv for pc providers displays the federal government’s foresightedness commented Anil Prakash, Director-General of SIA-India.

SIA-India is keenly wanting ahead to the New Telecom Act and its provisions being applied and enforced accordingly. SIA-India is dedicated to making sure that the regulatory framework helps the expansion of the satellite tv for pc communication trade. The affiliation commits itself for continued collaboration with the federal government and trade companions, selling insurance policies that drive innovation and progress in satellite tv for pc communications.