India likely to be first to hold satellite spectrum auction: TRAI Chairman

Subject :Science and Technology

Context-

India will be the first country to auction spectrum for satellite communication (SatCom), and it should be designed to attract investments in the sector, telecom regulator TRAI chairman P.D. Vaghela said.

Detail-

It is revealed at the Broadband India Forum summit on SatCom.
It will enhance the ease of doing business in the space sector.
India will be the first to handle the issue of auctioning the space base spectrum.
TRAI is yet to come up with a consultation paper on the spectrum auction as per the standard process meant for satellite communication.
While telecom operators have proposed the allocation of spectrum through an auction for satellite communication, satellite industry players have opposed it.

What is Satellite Communications (SATCOM)?

Satellite communication refers to any communication link that involves the use of an artificial satellite in its propagation path.
Satellite communication is the method of transporting information from one place to another using a communication satellite in orbit around the earth.

What are the benefits of Satellite Communication (SATCOM) for India?

Concerns:

Satellite communication is expensive,
Setting up ground stations or gateways would require regulatory approvals in each country, and there could be inhibitions with conservative regulators.
There is no clear policy on Universal Licence (UL) specifically permitting international internet gateways.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)-

The TRAI (a statutory body) was established on 20th February, 1997 by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.

Objectives of TRAI:

TRAI’s mission is to create and nurture conditions for growth of telecommunications in the country.
TRAI regulates telecom services including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which were earlier vested in the Central Government.
It also aims to provide a fair and transparent policy environment which promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.
Headquarters: New Delhi.

Composition of TRAI-

Members: The TRAI consists of a Chairperson, two whole-time members and two part-time members, all of which are appointed by the Government of India.
Tenure of Members: The Chairperson and other members shall hold their office for a term of three years or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Chairperson: The Chairperson has the powers of general superintendence.
- He/She presides over the meetings of the TRAI.
Vice-Chairperson: The Central Government may appoint one of the members of the Authority as the Vice-Chairperson of TRAI.
- The vice-chairperson exercises and discharges the powers and functions of the Chairperson in his/her absence.
Removal of Members: The Central Government is empowered to remove any member of the TRAI, if he/she:
- has been adjudged an insolvent
- has been convicted of an offence which involves moral turpitude
- has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a member
- has abused his/her position, rendering his/her continuance in office prejudicial to the public interest.

TRAI Meetings:

The Chairperson has the power of organising the meetings at times. He/She presides over the meetings.
In the absence of the chairperson, the vice-chairperson presides over the meetings.
In the absence of a vice-chairperson, any member can be chosen from the authority to preside over the meeting.
The decisions in the meetings are taken by the majority vote of the members present.
In the event of an equality of votes, the Chairperson (or the member presiding the meeting) gives a second or casting vote.

What are the Functions of TRAI?

Makes Recommendations: The function of the TRAI is to make recommendations on the following matters:
- Need for introduction of new service provider.
- Revocation of license for non-compliance of terms and conditions of licence.
- Measures to facilitate competition and promote efficiency in the operation of telecommunication services to facilitate their growth.
- Technological improvements in the services provided by the service providers.
Discharge of Responsibilities: The TRAI is responsible for discharging the following functions:
- Ensuring the compliance of terms and conditions of licence.
- Ensuring the technical compatibility and effective interconnection between different service providers.
- Laying down the standards of quality of service to be provided by the service providers.
- Ensuring the quality of service and conducting the periodical surveys of such services.
- Timely and officially notifying the rates at which the telecommunication services within India and outside India shall be provided under the TRAI Act, 1997.
Non-Binding Recommendations: The recommendations of the TRAI are not binding upon the Central Government.

What are the Powers of TRAI?

Order for Furnishing Information: It can call upon any service provider to furnish in writing the information or explanation relating to its affairs as the Authority may require.
Appointments for Inquiry: The Authority may appoint one or more persons to make an inquiry in relation to the affairs of any service provider.
Order for Inspection: It is empowered to direct any of its officers or employees to inspect the books of accounts or other documents of any service provider.
Issue Directions to Service Providers: The Authority shall have the power to issue such directions to service providers as it may consider necessary for proper functioning by service providers.