terrestrial telecom services

Meta has reportedly paused work on a segment of its 2Africa underwater cable project in the Persian Gulf due to safety concerns for its French contractor amid the US-Iran conflict. This disruption, impacting connectivity across several Middle Eastern nations, marks the second such delay for the project in six months, highlighting the vulnerability of subsea infrastructure in volatile regions.

Elon Musk has called for 'fair competition' in the Indian telecom market, reacting to the telecom majors' request to equalise spectrum pricing for satellite services.

Bharti Airtel's Sunil Mittal advocated for satellite companies to follow the same rules as telecom operators, including purchasing spectrum and paying license fees.

Airtel and Reliance Jio have reignited their concerns over Trai's spectrum allocation recommendations for satcom companies, alleging bias towards satellite operators. COAI argues the recommendations are non-transparent, based on flawed assumptions, and create an uneven playing field. They also object to differential spectrum pricing, advocating for parity between terrestrial and satellite services.

Reliance Jio has requested Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia's help to revise TRAI's consultation paper on spectrum allocation to ensure fair competition between terrestrial and satellite communication providers. Jio emphasized the need for a fair and transparent auction system, arguing that the current consultation overlooks critical issues of market parity and legal implications.

NEW DELHI: Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has approached state-owned telecom service providers Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Ltd to participate in a consortium for its DTH telecast through the digital Ku-band proposed to be launched by Doordarshan.

NEW DELHI: Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has approached state-owned telecom service providers BSNL and MTNL to participate in a consortium for its DTH telecast through the digital Ku-band proposed to be launched by Doordarshan.

Elon Musk of Starlink joins the battle against Indian telecom giants, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, over the allocation of satellite communication spectrum. Jio and Airtel advocate for spectrum auctions to ensure a level playing field, while Musk opposes this, citing ITU rules designating the spectrum as shared for satellites.

Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia affirmed continued government support for the mobile industry, emphasizing the importance of having at least four to five players. He stated satellite communication services will complement terrestrial networks to achieve complete coverage.

Reliance Jio has urged telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia to have regulator Trai revise a consultation paper on spectrum allocation rules, emphasizing fair competition between terrestrial and satellite networks. Jio warns of potential legal battles if level-playing field considerations are not incorporated.

Telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are worried that proposed satellite spectrum pricing is too low, potentially harming their businesses while benefiting satellite internet providers like Starlink. COAI, representing Jio and Airtel, urged the telecom ministry to reconsider TRAI's pricing structure, arguing for a level playing field.

The Broadband India Forum (BIF) is staunchly opposing Reliance Jio's call for a revised consultation paper on satellite communication spectrum rules. BIF argues that the current approach is aligned with the Telecommunications Act 2023, which mandates administrative allocation of spectrum. Reliance Jio contends that the existing paper doesn't ensure fair competition between satellite and terrestrial services.

Sunil Bharti Mittal and Mukesh Ambani advocate a level playing field for the satellite broadband sector. Airtel calls for satellite companies to pay licensing fees and acquire spectrum through auctions, similar to traditional telecom operators. Airtel has partnered with Eutelsat OneWeb for satcom services and emphasizes the importance of regulatory compliance.

New Delhi, Jan 31 () The broadcast regulator Trai today recommended introduction of digital terrestrial transmission for broadcast services in a phased manner and complete shut down of analog transmission by end of 2023.

Internet network in some parts of the country was disrupted after cyclone Vardah – that hit Chennai and adjoining regions - caused damage to a critical undersea cable of several major telecom companies and service providers.

Reliance Jio has requested the Indian government to conduct a transparent auction for satellite spectrum, countering TRAI's proposed 'first come first served' methodology. Highlighting competition from global entities like Starlink and Amazon Kuiper, Jio seeks fair spectrum assignment to ensure parity with terrestrial networks.

Vodafone Idea partners with AST SpaceMobile to bring satellite-based mobile services directly to smartphones across India, aiming to expand coverage in unconnected regions. This collaboration integrates AST SpaceMobile's space-based cellular technology with Vi's network, enabling voice, video, and data services without specialized hardware. The partnership will explore commercial offerings for consumer, enterprise, and IoT applications.

The Central Government has requested Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite venture, to establish a control centre in India. This measure will enable the suspension or shutdown of communications services in sensitive areas when needed to maintain law and order. Additionally, call interceptions by law enforcement agencies must be facilitated. Starlink is working with Reliance Jio and Airtel for network enhancements.

Elon Musk expressed gratitude towards the Indian government for deciding on administrative allocation of satcom spectrum, countering demands from Reliance Jio and Airtel. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and the Indian Space Association supported this move, emphasizing global practices. The final spectrum allocation awaits recommendations from Trai to extend digital connectivity to remote areas.

As the satellite communications era dawns in India, global bigwigs like Starlink are eyeing spectrum at nominal rates. But telecom operators such as Reliance Jio are crying foul

Airtel and Reliance Jio have announced deals to market Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet in India, pending regulatory approvals. These partnerships aim to enhance network coverage, especially in rural and remote areas where connectivity is limited. Satellite internet services will, however, be more expensive and initially cater to enterprise sectors.

Internet networks in some parts of the country were dis rupted after cyclone Vardah caused damage to a critical undersea cable network of Bharti Airtel and some other telecom operators and service providers.While damage to Airtel's network was significant, there were disruptions in the terrestrial infrastructure of other companies which resulted in a slowdown of internet speeds. The company is making alternative arrangements to divert international internet traffic.

There is absolutely no case for auctioning of satellite spectrum, and doing so will not be in tune with global norms, telecom czar and chairman of Bharti Group Sunil Mittal has said.

Samsung has announced a new secured and standardised 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) modem technology. The technology will enable direct communication between smartphones and satellites. The company is planning to integrate this technology into its Exynos modem solutions. The company claims that this integration will accelerate the process of commercialization of 5G satellite communications.

New Delhi, May 1 () Air travellers will soon be able to make mobile phone calls and avail internet services during flights in the Indian airspace, with the Telecom Commission today clearing a proposal that is expected to be implemented in the next 3-4 months.