Rediff On The Net, Infotech: Satellite business thrown open


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July 18, 1997

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Satellite business thrown open

While Indians operating from within the country are to be allowed the use of foreign satellites, the government has decided that preferential treatment will be given to those who want to use Indian satellites for television or other communication purposes.

In a new policy framework for satellite communications approved by the Union Cabinet recently, Indian private parties will also be permitted to establish commercial communication satellites and will be assisted in getting these registered as Indian satellites with the International Telecommunications Union.

The policy also lays down procedures for offering transponder capacity on the Indian Satellite System to non-governmental users, on commercial terms, subject to capacity availability.

The norms and conditions are being evolved for operations from Indian soil for Indian and foreign parties.

In so far as satellite-based broadcasting is concerned, the various provisions of the satellite communications policy framework would conform to the proposed Broadcasting Bill, which is presently pending before the joint select committee of Parliament chaired by Congress' senior leader Sharad Pawar.

According to official sources, satellite communication in the country needs to be properly regulated for orderly growth as it has become a fundamental infrastructure of the communications system.

Furthermore, the Indian Satellite Systems has to comply with various United Nations and ITU treaties and other international agreements to which India is a party.

UNI

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