Tata group satellite services firm <keyword id="217765" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="nelco" source="Orion">Nelco</keyword> has withdrawn application for offering personal satellite communication services to consumers in the country and plans to apply for a new licence under <keyword id="182283" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-space-policy" source="Orion">New Space Policy</keyword>, a top company official has said. Nelco has withdrawn the application for Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence, which it had earlier submitted to the Department of telecommunications (DoT). The company plans to apply for a relevant permit after going through the contours of the New Space Policy. "The company has all licences required to provide all satellite services permissible in the country and the company will apply for relevant permit after going through the contours of the New Space Policy and outcome of consultation paper floated by telecom regulator Trai," Nelco, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer PJ Nath told PTI on Wednesday. The GMPCS licence at present allows licence holders to provide satellite phone services in India. "We at Nelco are looking to expand satcom in a big way. We have got a very ambitious plan for entire satcom services. We want to take judicious calls based on the changing and regulatory environment," Nath said. Nath further said that the company is getting into new segments as the regulation is opening. "We will also get into the consumer market where it has not been possible to go with satellite communication because of technical and other issues. With the New Space Policy coming, we will also get there. We are expanding our business," Nath said. The Indian Space Policy 2023, approved by the cabinet last week seeks to institutionalise private sector participation in the space sector, with ISRO focusing on research and development of advanced space technologies. Nelco at present provides in-flight and maritime services through satellite as well as satellite-based communication to enterprise customers through <keyword id="237940" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="vsat" source="Orion">VSAT</keyword> and other licences. "DoT has given clarification that with our VSAT licence we can address land mobility on cars, buses etc. Technically in any market that we want to address today, we can do that with a current license," he said. Nath said that the New Space Policy has been announced and details of the policy are expected to come out within a week. "This is going to be completely a game changer. Lot of regulation will be eased out," Nath said. He said there is a spectrum consultation paper from the <keyword id="30356" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="telecom-regulatory-authority-of-india" source="Orion">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</keyword> (TRAI) which may lead to some changes in the satellite sector. "We are looking at that aspect and then apply for permits that will be required," Nath said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/these-financial-tasks-to-complete-in-april-to-set-the-course-for-the-new-financial-year/slidelist/99455421.cms#slideid=99456011">5 financial tasks to complete in April to set the course for the new financial year</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ather-finally-focuses-on-affordable-electric-scooters-after-losing-its-lead-to-ola-electric-and-tvs-motor/articleshow/99456189.cms">Ather finally focuses on affordable electric scooters after losing its lead to Ola Electric and TVS Motor</a>

Tata's Nelco withdraws satcom permit application; to apply for licence under New Space Policy

The induction of <keyword id="21291143" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heavy-lift-helicopters" source="keywords">heavy-lift helicopters</keyword> and <keyword id="21291142" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="logistic-drones" source="keywords">logistic drones</keyword>, deployment of all-terrain vehicles and laying of an extensive network of tracks are among a host of measures that have enhanced India's <keyword id="20889609" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="combat-prowess" source="keywords">combat prowess</keyword> in Siachen, the world's highest battlefield, officials said on Saturday. As the <keyword id="19908736" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army" source="keywords">Indian Army</keyword> marks the 40th year of its presence on the strategically-significant <keyword id="20282432" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Siachen-glacier" source="keywords">Siachen glacier</keyword>, the officials said there have been extensive improvements in the operational capabilities of the force due to the enhancement of infrastructure in the region in the last few years. The Siachen glacier at the height of around 20,000 feet in the Karakoram mountain range is known as the highest militarised zone in the world where soldiers have to battle frostbite and high winds. Under its "<keyword id="21291144" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Operation-Meghdoot" source="keywords">Operation Meghdoot</keyword>", the Indian Army established its full control over the glacier on April 13, 1984. "The Indian Army's control over the Siachen glacier has not only been a story of unparalleled valour and determination but also an incredible journey of technological advancements and logistical improvements that transformed it from one of the most formidable terrains into a symbol of indomitable spirit and innovation," said an official. The initiatives, especially laid out in the last five years, have made significant strides in improving the living conditions and operational capabilities of the personnel deployed in Siachen, he said on the condition of anonymity. In January last year, Captain Shiva Chauhan from the Army's Corps of Engineers was posted at a frontline post in the Siachen glacier, in the first such operational deployment of a woman Army officer at a key battlefield. The official cited above said there has been a noteworthy improvement in the aspect of mobility in Siachen. "The development of an extensive network of tracks and the introduction of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) have significantly improved mobility across the glacier," he said. Another official said innovations like the DRDO-developed ATV bridges have enabled the Army to overcome natural obstacles, while high-quality "Dyneema" ropes in aerial cableways ensure seamless supply lines to even the most-remote outposts. "The induction of heavy-lift helicopters and logistic drones has vastly improved the supply of essentials to the personnel deployed in posts that are cut off, especially in winters," he said. "The availability of special clothing, mountaineering equipment and advanced rations has enhanced the ability of the soldiers to withstand the harsh conditions of the world's coldest battlefield," the official added. He said gadgets, such as pocket weather trackers, with each soldier provides timely weather updates and warn them about possible avalanches. "Recent initiatives concerning the improvement of connectivity have ensured that the personnel in forward posts in the northern and central glacier regions have access to fresh ration and vegetables instead of tinned ration, an aspect that could not have been imagined a few years ago," the official said. "Fresh ration and vegetables are now a reality for our forward posts, thanks to new logistic initiatives," he added. There has been a focus on improvement in mobile and data connectivity in the region as well. "The introduction of the VSAT technology has revolutionised communication on the glacier, providing the troops with data and internet connectivity," the second official said. "This leap in technology has enhanced real-time situational awareness, telemedicine capabilities and the well-being of our soldiers by keeping them connected with their families," he said. The VSAT or very small aperture terminal is a data-transmission technology. The Army has also been focusing on boosting the medical infrastructure in Siachen. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has established telemedicine nodes that provide critical medical support not only to the troops but also to the local populace and tourists in the Nubra valley. "The medical facilities in Partapur and the base camp boast of some of the best medical and surgical specialists, state-of-the-art HAPO chambers and oxygen generation plants, besides life-support systems. This has ensured that all endeavours are made to save every life in this challenging terrain," said a third official. The HAPO (High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema) chamber is a life-saving device that provides emergency treatment in medical conditions relating to breathlessness and accumulation of fluids in the lungs etc. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/telecom-companies-may-hike-tariffs-by-up-to-17-after-the-general-elections-as-per-analysts/articleshow/109240274.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/telecom-companies-may-hike-tariffs-by-up-to-17-after-the-general-elections-as-per-analysts/articleshow/109240274.cms" target="_blank">Telecom companies may hike tariffs by up to 17% after the general elections, predict analysts</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ather-rizta-vs-tvs-iqube-which-family-scooter-should-you-buy/articleshow/109233645.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ather-rizta-vs-tvs-iqube-which-family-scooter-should-you-buy/articleshow/109233645.cms" target="_blank">Ather Rizta vs TVS iQube – Which family scooter should you buy?</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/playstation-5-is-now-available-at-a-discount-of-10000-for-a-limited-period/articleshow/109183034.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/playstation-5-is-now-available-at-a-discount-of-10000-for-a-limited-period/articleshow/109183034.cms" target="_blank">PlayStation 5 is now available at a discount of ₹10,000 for a limited period</a>

Indian Army marks 4 decades of presence in Siachen glacier

<ul><li><keyword id="15491" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="airtel" source="Orion">Airtel</keyword> has formed a joint venture with <keyword id="340671" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="hughes" source="Orion">Hughes</keyword> Communications India Pvt Ltd.</li><li>The entity will offer broadband satellite service in the country.</li><li>Hughes holds 67% stake and Airtel holds 33% stake in the entity.</li></ul>Indian telecom provider Airtel has entered into a joint venture (JV) with Hughes Communications India Pvt Ltd (HCIPL), a provider of broadband satellite networks and services to offer <keyword id="745397" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="satellite-broadband" source="Orion">satellite broadband</keyword> services in India. Hughes will hold a 67% stake in the JV and Sunil Mittal-led Airtel will hold a 33% stake. The entity will be known as HCIPL and will combine the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) business of both the companies, allowing them to offer scalable enterprise networking solutions. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is a VSAT terminal?" comment="subhead" text="What is a VSAT terminal?">What is a VSAT terminal?</cmsannotation> A VSAT terminal is a two-way satellite ground station that is used to transmit and receive data. It is used to provide satellite-based internet and telecom access to individuals and enterprise customers. “We are pleased to commence this joint venture, further delivering on our commitment to serving the growing demand for always-on, always-available network connectivity for enterprise and government customers,” said Partho Banerjee, president, and managing director, HCIPL. The agreement was announced in May 2019 and has finally received statutory approvals, including an approval from the National Company Law Tribunal and the Department of Telecom. The JV has a combined base of over 2 lakh VSATs, making it the largest satellite service operator in the country. This comes at a time when Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service has received its first <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/elon-musks-starlink-faces-its-first-setback-in-india-even-before-launch/articleshow/88702976.cms">setback</a> in the country after its country director and chairman of the board, Sanjay Bhargava, stepped down citing personal reasons. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/elon-musks-starlink-faces-its-first-setback-in-india-even-before-launch/articleshow/88702976.cms">Elon Musk’s Starlink faces its first setback in India even before launch</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/scientists-piggybacking-on-starlink-satellites-to-break-free-from-gps-dependence/articleshow/86607657.cms">Scientists are piggybacking on internet satellites to break free from GPS dependence</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/ussd-mobile-banking-charges-trai-vs-airtel-vodafone-idea/articleshow/88249773.cms">TRAI’s push to make mobile banking services via USSD free faces stiff opposition from Airtel, Vodafone Idea</a>

Airtel and Hughes form joint venture, will offer satellite broadband service in India

<ul><li>As per TRAI report, India has over 800million broadband connections.</li><li>There was a massive growth in the month of July, with 14.78million new wireless subscribers.</li><li>Broadband is currently defined as connections having download speeds over 512Kbps.</li></ul>The total broadband connections in India exceeded 800 million according to a July report released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The number of subscribers increased from 792.78 million at the end of June to 808.6 million at the end of July this year. According to <a href="https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No.44of2021.pdf">the report</a>, the growth of broadband subscribers was massive with almost 2% growth in one month. Most of the growth was seen in wireless subscriptions, as 14.78 million new users were added. Wired subscriptions increased by only 4,90,000 while fixed wireless services increased by over 83% in the month, from 6,50,000 subscriptions to over 1.19 million. Wireless subscriptions include connectivity via phone and dongles while fixed connections include Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, Point-to-point Radio and VSAT. Interestingly, TRAI defines broadband as a connection offering download speeds of 512Kbps or more. And these subscriptions numbers are as per this definition. However, TRAI has shared a <a href="https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/Recommendations_31082021_0.pdf">recommendation</a> in August to review the definition of broadband. As per the new recommendation, ‘basic broadband’ would be connections having download speeds between 2Mbps and less than 50Mbps. 'Fast <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/minimum-broadband-speed-in-india-increased-to-2mbps-from-512kbps/articleshow/85828322.cms">broadband</a>’ would be connections offering download speeds between 50Mbps to 300Mbps. ‘Super-fast broadband’ would be connections offering download speeds over 300Mbps. The report further states that the top five service providers in the country had 98.77% market share of the total broadband subscribers, with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-launched-new-prepaid-plans-with-free-disney-hotstar-mobile-subscription/articleshow/85824111.cms">Reliance Jio</a> leading the way with 446.68 million subscribers. Airtel came in a distant second with 201.77 million subscribers and followed by Vodafone Idea with 123.97 million subscriptions. The wired broadband service was led by BSNL with 5.83 million subscribers. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/airtel-founder-sunil-mittal-wants-to-increase-mobile-tariffs-by-at-least-33-in-2021/articleshow/85763847.cms">Airtel</a> and <keyword id="6354504" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reliance-jio" source="Orion">Reliance Jio</keyword> followed it with 3.54 million and 3.47 million subscribers respectively. These numbers are likely to change once the new definition of broadband services is adopted. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Telecom service subscriptions exceed 1.2 billion" comment="subhead" text="Telecom service subscriptions exceed 1.2 billion">Telecom service subscriptions exceed 1.2 billion</cmsannotation> Along with broadband subscribers, India saw a growth in the number of telephone subscriptions in July 2021. The total number of subscribers went past 1.2 billion with the addition of 6.88 million subscribers in the month of July. With this, the teledensity in the country took a leap and reached 88.51% — meaning there are 88.51 telephone subscriptions every 100 people. This number was, however, low in rural India with a teledensity of 60.33%. The share of urban and rural subscribers in the total number of telephone subscribers was 55.46% and 44.54%, respectively. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/vodafone-idea-and-airtel-need-tariff-hikes-agr-moratorium-might-not-be-enough-say-analysts/articleshow/86285450.cms">Vodafone Idea and Airtel need tariff hikes, AGR moratorium might not be enough, say analysts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/vodafone-ideas-5g-trials-achieve-speeds-in-excess-of-3-7-gbps-in-pune/articleshow/86360103.cms">Vodafone Idea's 5G trials achieve speeds in excess of 3.7 Gbps in Pune</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/telecom-relief-package-airtel-vodafone-idea-get-four-year-moratorium-on-agr-dues/articleshow/86227218.cms">Indian government dials M for moratorium – Airtel, Vodafone Idea get a four-year relief on AGR dues</a>

Reliance Jio powers ahead of its competitors as India’s broadband connections go past 800 million

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A <keyword id="6361937" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="cyberattack" source="Orion">cyberattack</keyword> <keyword id="11894337" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="russia" source="Orion">Russia</keyword> launched before it attacked <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword> "had an outsized impact," a top US intelligence official said.</li><li>The attack hit a large number of satellite communication stations, affecting hundreds of thousands of people outside Ukraine.</li></ul>Russia is known for its potent cyber-warfare capabilities. So it is no surprise that Moscow launched cyberattacks against Ukrainian targets in the lead up to its invasion in late February.Russian hackers went after a variety of Ukrainian targets in the private and public sectors, but one cyber weapon aimed at a specific military target spilled over and affected tens of thousands of devices outside Ukraine.<h2>AcidRain run amok</h2><div type="image" title="Russian military vehicles train Rostov Donetsk" height="1278" width="2000" msid="91651589" hostid="261"></div>A few hours before the Russian invasion began on February 24, Russian hackers launched a cyberweapon against <a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/05/10/1051973/russia-hack-viasat-satellite-ukraine-invasion/" target="_top">Viasat</a>, an American satellite communications company that has been providing communication services to the Ukrainian military.Named "AcidRain," the cyberweapon was a kind of malware known as a "wiper" that targeted Viasat modems and routers and erased all their data before permanently disabling them.The cyberattack targeted commercial satellite communications networks in an attempt to disrupt the Ukrainian military's command and control and sow chaos among Ukrainian units on the battlefield as Russian forces crossed the border.The attack is one of the first examples of cyber used as part of a combined-arms operation, much like a military might use aircraft to soften a fortified target before tanks and infantry attack it.However, the Russian hackers appear to have let AcidRain run amok, either not able or not caring to limit the attack to Ukrainian devices.<div type="image" title="Kharkiv Ukraine satellite dish" height="1498" width="1998" msid="91651591" hostid="261"></div><keyword id="13891240" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="avril-haines" source="Orion">Avril Haines</keyword>, the US director of national intelligence, told lawmakers this month that the Russian cyberattack "had an outsized impact" and affected a large number of ground satellite communication stations, also known as Very Small Aperture Terminals, or VSATs.As a result, hundreds of thousands of people outside Ukraine were affected in several ways, including losing internet services and power.Such an outcome is more likely than not when it comes to cyber weapons. To focus a piece of malware on a specific target, hackers need to design it specifically to do so, and that requires extra work.For example, the famous Stuxnet virus that targeted the Iranian nuclear program in the late 2000s was designed to remain dormant should it encounter a computer device that didn't meet the criteria set by its designers, widely believed to be the US and Israel.Thus far, most Russian hackers have followed the usual playbook and mainly launched three kinds of cyberattack: wipers to delete data from devices, website defacement to discredit and ridicule targets, and distributed denial-of-service attacks to bring networks and websites down by overwhelming them with traffic.<h2>Cyber and intelligence</h2><div type="image" title="A computer in Russia hit by the Petya ransomware attack in 2017." height="3366" width="4621" msid="91651593" hostid="261"></div>Despite its potent cyberwarfare capabilities and a well-documented willingness to use them, even against Western targets, Russia hasn't launched the great cyber Armageddon many expected — even as the US and its allies have increased their support for Ukraine by <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pentagon-military-aid-to-ukraine-never-been-done-that-fast-2022-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">providing billions of dollars</a> in military and humanitarian aid.Russia has launched cyberattacks during the conflict, but nowhere near to the level that was anticipated before the invasion."We have a variety of different sort of theories for why that might be the case, including the fact that we think that they may have determined that the collateral impact of such attacks would be challenging for them in the context of Ukraine," Haines said.According to Haines, Moscow has a "long-standing concern" about likely escalation should it directly target the US in cyberspace, but that doesn't mean US intelligence agencies aren't worried about a Russian cyberattack against the US in the future.Haines offered another explanation for why Russia hasn't launched large-scale cyberattacks against the US and NATO: Moscow might want to maintain collection opportunities in Ukraine and elsewhere.Cyberwarfare and intelligence collection often cross paths. Officials tasked with those respective duties, in Russia and elsewhere, are highly likely to share targets — though they have their own, often conflicting objectives for those targets.<div type="image" title="Russian missile artillery Kyiv Ukraine" height="1333" width="2000" msid="91651595" hostid="261"></div>"It's kind of competing in some sense because of the 'intel gain, intel loss' mantra," a former US intelligence officer with a background in signals intelligence told Insider."Every time there is a node destroyed, that's one less node the IC [intelligence community] can tap into and squeeze for intelligence," the former intelligence officer said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to avoid compromising ongoing work with the government.For example, US Cyber Command might want to take out a Russian military communications node to impose costs should Russian launch a destructive cyberattack against a NATO target, but the NSA might have tapped that same node to suck up valuable intelligence about Russian military movements.In such scenarios, policymakers have to decide which task is more urgent and how their strategic objectives are served in the near- and long-term."That node could have been a valuable intelligence source, but then again, you might be taking down a primary network but you help discover or identify secondary networks and alternative communications nodes," the former US intelligence official said. "Then you start building plans to understand and learn more about those networks as well, get some insight, understand their vulnerabilities and learn when and why they are used."Stavros Atlamazoglou is a defense journalist specializing in special operations, a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ), and a Johns Hopkins University graduate.

Cyberattacks quietly launched by Russia before its invasion of Ukraine may have been more damaging than intended

New Delhi, Jan 2 () Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers and Chemicals (GNVFC) has received a demand notice from the telecom department for payment of outstanding dues worth Rs 15,019 crore by January 23, 2020.
 The dues pertain to financial years from 2005-06 to 2018-19 in connection with VSAT and ISP licences held by the company, it said. The outstanding includes interest amount as well.
 The company said it is seeking expert legal advice in the matter to decide future course of action.
 "The company is presently examining the said demand notice and judgement of the Supreme Court by seeking expert legal advice in the matter," GNVFC said in a BSE filing.
 Based on the legal advice, the company will decide the future course of actions on the issue, it added.
 The fertiliser firm informed that it has "received a demand notice from the Office of Controller of Communication Accounts, DoT, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, Gujarat Telecom Circle, Ahmedabad...directing the company to deposit the total outstanding amount of Rs 15019,97,48,444 (inclusive of interest amount) before January 23, 2020, in respect of financial years from 2005-06 to 2018-19 in connection with VSAT &amp; ISP Licenses held by the company".
 The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has also sought Rs 1.72 lakh crore in past statutory dues from state-owned gas utility GAIL India following the Supreme Court's AGR (Adjusted Gross Revenue) ruling in October.
 The DoT had sent a letter to GAIL seeking Rs 1,72,655 crore in dues on IP-1 and IP-2 licences as well as Internet Service Provider (ISP) licence. In response, GAIL has told the DoT that it owes nothing more than what it has already paid to the government.
 Besides GAIL, the DoT is also seeking Rs 1.25 lakh crore from PowerGrid which had both a national long-distance as well as an internet licence. PowerGrid says it has an AGR of Rs 3,566 crore since 2006-07 and after adding penalty it comes to Rs 22,168 crore.
 After sending out notices to firms such as GAIL, the DoT has said any relief to non-telecom companies from payment of enhanced levies can come only from the Supreme Court.
 The DoT is currently "examining" the replies given by the state-owned non-telecom firms on the AGR dues, a senior official had recently told .
 Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and other telecom companies owe the government nearly Rs 1.47 lakh crore in past statutory dues.
 These AGR liabilities arose after the apex court in October last year upheld the government's position on including revenue from non-telecommunication businesses for calculating the annual AGR of telecom companies, a share of which is paid as licence and spectrum fees to the exchequer.
 The apex court allowed three months to the affected companies to cough up the amounts due to the government.
 The DoT has meanwhile made it clear that the AGR order will apply to all licencees, including companies such as GAIL, RailTel, and PowerGrid.
 As things stand today, such players, despite a smaller telecom exposure, may have to pay liabilities computed on their entire revenue.
 Non-telcos, such as ISPs, had argued that the DoT has unnecessarily imposed the order on ISPs, many of which are run by entrepreneurs in smaller cities and towns. MBI MJH MBI ANU
ANU

AGR woes: Telecom dept slaps Rs 15,019 cr demand notice on GNVFC

<ul><li>ISRO’s GSAT-30 will launch on 17 January. </li><li>The satellite will replace the INSAT-4A satellite currently used by cable operators like Tatasky and STAR group to broadcast their channel overseas. </li><li>It will provide extended coverage in the C-band, which will help increase coverage over India, its islands, Gulf countries, a large number of Asian countries and Australia. </li></ul>Internet connectivity, streaming services and watching videos on the go has many people taking television services for granted. Yet cable television is still the main source of information for a lot of people who can’t necessarily afford the internet or live in areas with sparse connectivity. The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (<a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/gsat-30">ISRO</a>) GSAT-30 will launch on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-gsat-30-launch-on-january-17-with-european-space-agency/articleshow/73184551.cms">launch on 17 January 2019</a> and it will be the first Indian satellite to be sent into space this year. It will act as the replacement for India’s INSAT-4A satellite — one of the first satellites that India ever launched. INSAT-4A’s usage of the Ku-band and C-band is how cable operators like <a href="https://www.dthhelp.net/tatasky-channel-list">Tatasky</a> or the STAR group make their broadcasts available abroad. The GSAT-30 will allow them to continue that coverage. "It provides extended coverage in C-band, which helps the television broadcasted to beam their programme over India, Gulf countries, a large number of Asian countries and Australia," says ISRO. INSAT-4A living on borrowed time INSAT-4A was launched in 2005 and designed to last 12 years. Fifteen years later, the satellite’s still running. The satellite efficient conservation fuel consumption is in part due to how that function was designed by Bajaj Platina’s R&amp;D team. The GSAT-30 was already supposed to be up in orbit in June last year, but its launch was pushed to 2020 as ISRO focussed on launching military satellites to boost strategic assets in space. Initially speculated to launch mid-2020, Arianespace — the commercial arm of the European Space Agency (ESA) — <a href="https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/1201892408671252480">announced</a> that it will be carrying GSAT-30 into Earth’s lower orbit in January. "GSAT-30 will be extensively used for supporting VSAT networks, television uplinking and teleport services, digital satellite news gathering (DSNG), DTH television services, cellular backhaul connectivity and many such applications," says ISRO. Now, the satellite is scheduled to launch on January 17 from ESA’s Kourou launch base in French Guiana on board the Ariane-5 rocket. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-gsat-30-launch-on-january-17-with-european-space-agency/articleshow/73184551.cms">India and Europe get ready to launch ISRO's GSAT 30 satellite</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-outlook-2020-indian-private-sector-eyes-30-billion-space-launch-pie/articleshow/72812429.cms">ISRO outlook 2020: Indian private sector eyes $30 billion space launch pie</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/chandrayaan-3-and-gaganyaan-top-priorities-for-isro-in-2020/articleshow/73063629.cms">India's second mission to land on the Moon, Chandrayaan 3, confirmed by ISRO chief</a>

ISRO's first launch of 2020 will ensure Indians settled abroad can continue to watch Tata Sky, Star channels and more

New Delhi, Feb 21 () In a bid to reform norms for transfer and merger of telecom licences, Trai on Friday suggested that while both subscriber base and revenue are considered in determining marketshare for mobile and internet service providers, only revenue should be taken into account in marketshare calculation for other services like national and international long distance telephony. The sector regulator also suggested that the one-year timeline currently allowed for transfer/merger of licences in different service areas after National Company Law Tribunal nod should exclude time spent by companies in pursuing any litigation on account of which the final approval of a merger is delayed. Trai recommended that the guidelines on transfer/merger of licences should not 'hard-code' (that is, explicitly specify) the spectrum caps. Instead, it should be linked with the relevant clause of the licence, it said. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has now released its recommendations on reforming the guidelines for transfer and merger of telecom licences, after the telecom department in May 2019 sought its views on enabling simplification and fast-tracking of approvals. Trai's suggestions range from marketshare math to approval timelines, and other terms. Trai noted that the guidelines should be seen in the backdrop of consolidation in the market from 12-14 service providers a decade ago to four operators now, the National Digital Communication Policy's thrust on speedy approvals and the delays in mergers being taken on record. "The authority recommends that for computing market share of an NSO (Network Service Operators) in the relevant market, market share of the VNO (virtual network operator) parented with it should be added to the market share of NSO, if the NSO is a promoter of VNO," Trai said. The virtual network operators can provide telecom services like mobile landline, internet, but only as a retailer for full-fledged telecom operators. "For calculation of one year that is time period allowed for transfer/merger of various licenses in different service areas subsequent to the approval of the Tribunal/Company Judge, the time spent in pursuing any litigation on account of which the final approval of a merger is delayed, should be excluded," Trai said. This would protect the rights of a telecom operators to pursue remedies in court and also ensure that the period of one year does not become redundant for no fault of companies on account of pendency of an issue before a court, one of the stakeholders cited by Trai had submitted. Another provision of the acquisition guidelines which provides an exemption from substantial equity/cross holding clause for a period of one year or more should be modified such that the said exemption is provided only for a period till transfer/merger of licence is taken on record by the licensor (telecom department), Trai recommended. It also suggested that both the number of subscribers as well as Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) should be considered for determining the marketshare in case of services like access, internet and VSAT. And that only AGR should be considered for determining the marketshare for rest of the services like national and international long distance, and resale of international private leased circuits. The authority recommends that guidelines should explicitly mention that consequent upon payment of market determined price for spectrum, such spectrum would be treated as liberalised, that is technology neutral. Trai has also reiterated its earlier recommendation that if a transferor company holds a part of spectrum which has been assigned against entry fee, the resultant entity should be liable to pay differential amount for the spectrum assigned against the entry fee paid by the transferor company, from the date that the Department of Telecom (DoT) approves the transfer/merger. "However, while raising the demand for payment of differential amount, DoT shall calculate tentative demand from the date of NCLT approval, and upon grant of merger approval, the actual demand of differential amount shall be re-calculated based upon the date of grant of approval. Excess amount paid...if any, shall be refunded back to the transferee company/resultant entity or set off against other dues," it said. MBI ABM

Trai moots reforms in merger norms for tel licences spanning marketshare math, approval modalities

New Delhi, Jan 2 () The Department of Telecom will meet industry players and various associations on January 6 to discuss the Budget wishlist and outstanding issues of the sector which is confronted with thousands of crores in unpaid statutory dues and burgeoning debt, according to sources.
 A senior government official told that the Department of Telecom (DoT) will be "supportive" of the industry's demand for reduction in levies, both licence fee and Spectrum Usage Charges (SUC), and will formally communicate its Budget related suggestions to the finance ministry after holding a detailed consultation with the telecom players.
 "Telecom department supports reduction in licence fee and Spectrum Usage Charges...SUC should be reduced because money is being given by players in the auctions...they are making auction payments," the official said, adding that discussions will span various stakeholders in the industry like service providers, associations and others.
 The telecom department plans to formally write to the Ministry of Finance in the first half of January, post the meeting.
 Mobile operators as well as industry bodies like Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI) and Tower and Infrastructure Providers Association (TAIPA) will be present at the meeting slated for January 6, a source said.
 COAI had, last month, raised the issue of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) and sought cut in levies like licence fee and SUC during a meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
 The industry has also asked the government to create an infrastructure bank that will raise tax-free bonds, the proceeds of which can be used to lend to the companies at lower rates.
 COAI had also raised the issue of AGR and higher levies (like licence fee and SUC that are being paid by the industry) during the recent meeting.
 "We represented that they be brought down... We urged that licence fee which is currently at 8 per cent be lowered to about 3 per cent, and SUC which is presently at 5 per cent be brought down to 1 per cent... and to see if it could be done over an appropriate period of time," COAI Director General Rajan Mathews had said after the meeting held on December 20 at North Block.
 COAI had also asked the government to clear GST input tax credit dues worth about Rs 36,000 crore, while also seeking removal of the high import duties on telecom equipment.
 The upcoming meeting at DoT is significant as the telecom industry is saddled with Rs 1.47 lakh crore in additional statutory dues in the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling on AGR. Telecom companies owe the government Rs 92,642 crore in unpaid licence fee, and another Rs 55,054 crore in outstanding spectrum usage charges.
 According to government data, the liabilities in the case of Bharti Airtel add up to nearly Rs 35,586 crore, of which Rs 21,682 crore is licence fee and another Rs 13,904.01 crore is the SUC dues (excluding the dues of Telenor and Tata Teleservices).
 In the case of Vodafone Idea, this number stands at a cumulative Rs 53,038 crore, including Rs 24,729 crore of SUC dues and Rs 28,309 crore in licence fee.
 The remaining liability is with state-owned BSNL/MTNL and some of the shut/bankrupt telecom companies.
 The Supreme Court had allowed three months to the affected telcos to cough up the amounts due to the government, and the telecom department subsequently shot-off notices to players to pay their revenue share dues within the timelines stipulated by the court.
 Besides the telecom companies, the DoT has also made it clear that the AGR order will apply to all licencees, including companies such as GAIL, RailTel and PowerGrid. As things stand today, such players, despite a smaller telecom exposure, may have to pay liabilities computed on their entire revenue.
 The DoT had sent a letter to GAIL seeking Rs 1,72,655 crore in dues on IP-1 and IP-2 licences as well as Internet Service Provider (ISP) licence, and is seeking Rs 1.25 lakh crore from PowerGrid which had both a national long-distance as well as an internet licence.
 Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers and Chemicals (GNVFC) too has received a demand notice from the telecom department for payment of outstanding dues worth Rs 15,019 crore by January 23, 2020, pertaining to financial years from 2005-06 to 2018-19 in connection with VSAT and ISP licences held by the company. MBI ABM

DoT to meet industry on Jan 6 on Budget-related issues; will 'support' cut in levies

<ul><li>If companies pay up the AGR dues as demanded, it may be good enough to erase nearly half the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/fiscal-deficit-hits-102-pc-of-budget-estimate-till-oct/articleshow/72296097.cms">country’s budget deficit </a>of ₹7.2 lakh crore. </li><li>The net dues on all telecom operators with penalty and interest in the decade-long case -- came to ₹1.47 lakh crore (over $21 billion). </li><li>DoT asked a state-owned gas company, GAIL, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/dot-seeks-rs-1-72-lakh-cr-from-gail-in-telecom-dues/articleshow/72922265.cms">for ₹1.7 lakh crore </a>(over $24 billion) in AGR dues. </li></ul>On October 24, India's top court ordered that companies will be liable to pay statutory dues even on non-telecom revenue earned using spectrum. The amount of money that the government can make, thanks to this verdict, may be good enough to erase nearly half the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/fiscal-deficit-hits-102-pc-of-budget-estimate-till-oct/articleshow/72296097.cms">country’s budget deficit </a>of ₹7.2 lakh crore. Fiscal deficit is the amount of money spent by the government over and above its earnings⁠— and that means, higher the fiscal gap, lower the state’s credibility, weaker currency, higher borrowing cost for the exchequer, and a rise in inflation. And India has a problem on this account. Moody’s has already downgraded India and forecast that the fiscal deficit will be 3.7% of GDP, much higher than the government’s own estimate. But the Supreme Court order may have paved the way for the government to shore up this deficit with its own money. Telecom operators are choking ⁠— but they are not alone The net dues on all telecom operators with penalty and interest in the decade-long case -- came to ₹1.47 lakh crore (over $21 billion). Vodafone-Idea and Airtel already filed a review petition against it. But here is the twist. Even before the order, the debt of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/mukesh-ambanis-telecom-war-escalates-telecom-industry-debt-to-3-9-lakh-crore/articleshow/70906000.cms">the top three companies </a>itself was at around ₹3.9 lakh crore ⁠— which means the telecom troubles of the country are as huge as that of the country. And, telecom troubles are spreading across sectors too. Based on the same court order, the Department of Telecom has asked a state-owned gas company, GAIL, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/dot-seeks-rs-1-72-lakh-cr-from-gail-in-telecom-dues/articleshow/72922265.cms">for ₹1.7 lakh crore </a>(over $24 billion) ⁠— over 3 times the net worth of the company. That’s not it. Other state owned utilities have also received similar demands from the telecom ministry. Electricity transmission company Power Grid, which had licence for both long-distance calls as well as to provide internet services, also received a notice. Reports are afoot that dated penalties of dead telecom companies like Tata Teleservices and Videocon too will have to be paid up by companies which acquired it, like Airtel. [hyperlink to your story] <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup></colgroup><colgroup></colgroup><col /><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Company </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">AGR dues </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Bharti Airtel </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹21,700 crore </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Vodafone-Idea </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹28,300 crore </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Defunct telcos </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹38,000 crore </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">GAIL </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1,76,000 crore </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Power Grid </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹22,168 crore </td></tr></tbody></table> *As <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/dot-asks-psus-like-gail-and-power-grid-to-pay-agr-dues-report-4674221.html">per estimates</a> A case of unintended consequences “This appears to be the plain reading of the verdict and some companies (telecom operators) have already moved a review petition. The judges may not have factored in the unintended consequences,” Rajan Mathews of an industry body COAI, told Business Insider. GAIL and Power Grid had IP licences ⁠— VSAT licence, ISP licence etc. ⁠— for internal purposes and may or may not have earned any revenue by holding the rights. These companies had licences to provide assets such as dark fibre, right of way, duct space, and towers. GAIL has a vast network of gas pipelines and it laid optic fibres to provide bandwidth to third parties like telecom service providers. The statutory dues, based on the SC verdict, will be based on the company’s gross revenue on spectrum usage. For example, companies which could be using spectrum will have to pay a percentage for non-telecom utilities -- and that would be a great deal for companies like GAIL and Power Grid. Here’s why the Narendra Modi government needs this money In a hypothetical situation, if all the amount is paid up, then the central government can erase half its fiscal deficit. Like many of its companies, Indian government too is a victim of high debt and many accounts payables. Tax revenue has been much less than what the government had expected as India’s economic growth fell to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/indias-q2-gdp-growth-dips-to-over-6-yr-low-of-4-5-manufacturing-farm-sectors-weigh/articleshow/72296098.cms">a six year low</a>. At least five states where the BJP is not ruling have accused them of <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/finance/five-non-bjp-states-red-flag-gst-dues/articleshow/72152045.cms">unpaid GST </a>dues. Moreover, in a bid to get private enterprise excited, government cut corporate tax rates ⁠— digging itself into a wider and deeper fiscal deficit. The government’s attempt to extract its pound of flesh at a time when companies are struggling disappointing demand, and therefore earnings, may raise a few eyebrows. The fact that companies like GAIL ⁠— where the government owns around 55% stake ⁠— and Power Grid ⁠— where the government stake is 58% ⁠— are owned by the state leaves them with little capacity to protest this unexpected demand for statutory dues. Yet, if companies like GAIL and Power Grid are forced to cough up the money, part of the impact will fall on unsuspecting small investors. But a larger impact will still be on the government, which is the majority shareholder in these companies. In essence, transferring money from government entity to the exchequer will amount to accounting jugglery to dress up the state’s financial health. For example, in the last financial year, ONGC bought <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/ongc-free-to-sell-stake-in-hpcl-dharmendra-pradhan/articleshow/71578843.cms">51% stake in </a>HPCL for ₹36,915 crore. Both companies were owned by the government. While it helped shore up the budget deficit on the books, one government arm paid for the other. This year, it seems, may be no different. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-airtel-and-vodafone-idea-face-more-financial-burden/articleshow/72513282.cms">Three reasons why the Indian telecom sector's troubles went from bad to worse in the last 24 hours</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/mukesh-ambanis-telecom-war-escalates-telecom-industry-debt-to-3-9-lakh-crore/articleshow/70906000.cms">Top three telecom companies’ debt is at ₹3.9 lakh crore — that’s half of India’s fiscal deficit</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/article/airtel-and-voda-idea-could-pay-up-dot-but-what-about-13-telcos-that-died/articleshow/71750379.cms">Airtel and Voda-Idea could pay DoT, but what about ₹38,000 crore from defunct telcos?</a>

India’s Supreme Court may have paved the way to erase half of the country’s budget deficit

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48582087.cms" /> 
The fight between the car hailing apps are getting tougher every other day. 
 
Soon after Ola launched ‘Ola Select’ and offered a wide range of benefits for some special customers, taxi aggregator Uber has collaborated with Airtel to provide internet access to passengers. The scheme that kicks off in Mumbai this Saturday, Uber users would get access to free 4G Wifi in Uber cabs and an additional payment option via Airtel Money (Airtel’s e-Wallet) on the cab-hailing app. Drivers get subsidised mobile devices and data plans, the company said in a statement. The drivers will use an Airtel 4G enabled MiFi dongle which will have a battery life of 6 hours. Users will just have to click on 'UberWiFi' as an option and they will be logged on to the internet. 
 
"This partnership is built on our shared visions and strengths of broad, reliable networks and connecting people to their world, anytime, anywhere," said Amit Jain, President, Uber India. Over the next few months, both companies will also be working on joint marketing campaigns. 
 
"Our partnership with Uber is directly in line with our commitment to offer innovative and relevant services for our customers," said Srini Gopalan, director, consumer business, Bharti Airtel. 
 
Drivers will be able to keep the phones charged for long distance rides by plugging the dongle into the cigarette lighter to keep them charged. 
Internet on the go is nothing new in India, though. Luxury bus services in the country as well as international ones including Nepal offer free WiFi on board with the help of a small VSAT terminal in the bus. 
Companies such as OnAir offer internet access to air passengers through such terminals which access web directly from the satellites. A few like GoGo offer air passengers wifi access by communicating with 3G towers on earth. However cab companies are using the local base stations to access the web. 
 
Last month, Uber announced that it is going to invest $1 billion in the Indian market in the next nine months. The San Francisco headquartered company also raised close to $100 million of funding from private equity firm Tata Opportunities Fund, last week.

You Searched For "vsat" and got 11 results

Tata's Nelco withdraws satcom permit application; to apply for licence under New Space Policy

PTI

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Airtel and Hughes form joint venture, will offer satellite broadband service in India

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Reliance Jio powers ahead of its competitors as India’s broadband connections go past 800 million

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AGR woes: Telecom dept slaps Rs 15,019 cr demand notice on GNVFC

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ISRO's first launch of 2020 will ensure Indians settled abroad can continue to watch Tata Sky, Star channels and more

Prabhjote Gill

Trai moots reforms in merger norms for tel licences spanning marketshare math, approval modalities

PTI

DoT to meet industry on Jan 6 on Budget-related issues; will 'support' cut in levies

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India’s Supreme Court may have paved the way to erase half of the country’s budget deficit

Sriram Iyer

Now browse the internet for free when riding Uber

BI India Bureau