Context: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India(TRAI) has released recommendations on ‘Licensing Framework for Establishing and Operating Satellite Earth Station Gateway (SESG)’.

Satellite Gateway

• A satellite gateway (also referred to as a teleport or hub) is a ground station that transmits data to/from the satellite to the local area network. 

• It houses the antennas and equipment that convert the Radio Frequency (RF) signal to an Internet Protocol(IP) signal for terrestrial connectivity.

Key recommendations issued by TRAI for establishing and operating Satellite Earth Station Gateway(SESG)

• Firstly, there shall be a separate Satellite Earth Station Gateway (SESG) License under Section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act. The SESG License will not form part of the Unified License (UL).

• Secondly, the SESG license shall be valid for 20 years from the effective date of the licence with a provision of renewal for 10 years.

• Thirdly, only the companies registered under the Companies Act shall be eligible to apply for the grant of their licence.

• Fourthly, telecommunication and broadcasting service licensees/ permission holders, who are eligible to provide satellite-based communication services in India, shall have the option to establish their own satellite earth station gateways.

• Fifthly, SESG Licensee may establish, maintain, and work SESGs anywhere within the territory of India for all types of satellite systems for which the Government has given permission.