Dr K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, DoS delivered the Inaugural Address in a virtual conference on “Unlocking India’s potential in space sector” organized by the ITU-APT Foundation of India on Sept 10, 2020.

The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) is recognized bythe International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as an international/ regional Telecommunicationsorganization, which has been working for the last 18 years with the primeobjective of encouraging involvement of professionals,corporate, public/private sector industries, R&D organizations,academic institutions, and such other agencies in the activitiesof ITU.

The virtual Industry Dialogue was organized to keep abreast the satcom industry of therecent decision of the Government of India to open the space sector to non-government & private Industry and also to obtain industry feedback and expectations for the promotion of the satcom activities in the country.

While explaining the scenario in which the extant Satcom Policy-1997 was put in force, Dr Sivan stated that the satcom policy along with norms, guidelines and procedures (NGP) are being revised. The revision is required considering the rapid growth in satcom technology and expanded services in India and recognizing that the Space is the forth frontier for humanity and country’s security. He also emphasized that it is important to rope in the non-government private entities in the space sector so as to leverage the experience and expertise of the Indian Industry in realizing the satellite sub-systems, assembly, integration & testing and a vast experience of service sector in taking the satcom technology to the end users. The private enterprises bring in funds, talent and speed in the activities, and it would be a win-win situation for all if the space sector is also opened up for the private Industry.

While explaining the scenario in which the extant Satcom Policy-1997 was put in force, Dr Sivan stated that the satcom policy along with norms, guidelines and procedures (NGP) are being revised. The revision is required considering the rapid growth in satcom technology and expanded services in India and recognizing that the Space is the forth frontier for humanity and country’s security. He also emphasized that it is important to rope in the non-government private entities in the space sector so as to leverage the experience and expertise of the Indian Industry in realizing the satellite sub-systems, assembly, integration & testing and a vast experience of service sector in taking the satcom technology to the end users. The private enterprises bring in funds, talent and speed in the activities, and it would be a win-win situation for all if the space sector is also opened up for the private Industry.

Later, R Umamaheswaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO presented the detailed objective, mechanism and broad guidelines of Indian Government’s decision to allow broader participation of the non-government private entities in space sector. He also explained the role of the New Space India Limited (NSIL) as well as the Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) to the audience.

The conference had participation of more than 100 delegates from VSAT, Telecom and broadcast industry and government departments including DoT, WPC and MI&B. Dr. R S Sharma, Chairman TRAI delivered the Chief Guest address and Mr T R Dua, Chairman-ITU APT Foundation of India welcomed the guests and delegates. Mr Bhatia, President- ITU APT Foundation of India acted as moderator.

The second session of the conference has presentation and address by officials of DoT, TRAI and satcom Industry on regulatory and policy aspects. Several useful suggestions on promoting the growth of the satcom industry in India were emerged during the discussions.