Only satellites authorized by IN-SPACe can provide broadcast services: MIB

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has issued an advisory regarding provisioning of satellite capacity on non-Indian satellites. In its advisory, MIB drew attention to IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) norms, guidelines and procedures for implementation of Indian Space Policy 2023, which were released on May 3, 2023.

MIB stated, “The existing arrangements/ mechanisms/ processes for provisioning of capacity in any of the frequency bands (C, Ku or Ka) from the non-Indian satellite operators can be extended till March 31, 2025. Effective from April 1, 2025, only IN-SPACe authorized non-Indian 050 satellites and/or NGSO satellite constellation are permitted for provisioning their capacity to provide space based communication/ broadcast services in India.

The MIB advisory further mentioned that “Any new capacity, additional capacity, change of satellite, etc., on non-Indian Satellite/Constellation needs IN-SPACe Authorization, through an Indian entity, in order to enable provisioning of its capacity to users for communication/ broadcast services in Indian territory.”

Beyond March 31, 2025, only satellites authorized by IN-SPACe can provide space-based communication and broadcast services in India, and any new or additional capacity must comply with these authorization requirements.

MIB further stated that “Applications for IN-SPACe authorization must be submitted through the IN-SPACe digital platform (www.inspace.gov.in) by an Indian entity. This entity could be an Indian subsidiary, joint venture/ collaboration, or an authorized dealer/ representative of the non-Indian satellite operator in India.”