Relevance:
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released recommendations on ‘Licensing Framework for Establishing and Operating Satellite Earth Station Gateway (SESG)’.
News Summary:
- SESG (Gateway Hub) –
- It acts as a bridge between space-based communication network and terrestrial communication network.
- It houses the equipment that convert Radio Frequency (RF) signal to an Internet Protocol (IP) signal for terrestrial connectivity.
- Recommendations –
- Separate SESG License under Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Service Area for it shall be at National Level.
- Only the companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013 shall be eligible to apply for grant of SESG Licence.
Satellite communication (Satcom):
- It refers to any communication link that involves the use of an artificial satellite in its propagation path.
- 2 main components –
- Ground segment (consists of fixed or mobile transmission, reception equipment)
- Space segment (the satellite itself)
- Satcom in India: GSAT-10 communication satellite, INSAT-3A etc.
- Advantages –
- Provide data connectivity in remote locations due to its ability for rapid deployment.
- Enable development and growth in industry sector by augmenting geographical reach of telecom operators etc.
- Cheaper over long- distance telephone transmission.
- Used in global mobile communication, weather forecasting, radio/TV signal broadcasting, etc.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI):
- A statutory body established under Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Objectives –
- To create and nurture conditions for growth of telecommunications in the country.
- To regulate telecom services including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services.
- To provide a fair and transparent policy environment.
- Members –
- Chairperson
- Vice-Chairperson
- 2 whole-time members & 2 part-time members
- Appointed by: Government of India
- Tenure: 3 years or 65 years of age
- Decisions of the meetings – Majority voting (Chairperson or the member presiding the meeting has a casting vote in case of equality)
- Recommendations are not binding.
- Powers –
- Order for Furnishing Information
- Appointments for Inquiry
- Order for Inspection
- Issue Directions to Service Providers
Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT):
- TRAI Amendment Act, 2000 established TDSAT.
- Aim – To take over the adjudicatory and disputes functions from TRAI.
- Members –
- Chairperson + 2 other members
- Appointed by – Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
- Tenure – 4 years or 70 years of age
Reference: PIB
