Trai bats for private players in satellites

Rising communication needs make it necessary for private players to venture into the space

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), the sector regulator, has suggested the private sector be allowed to launch satellites in low and medium earth orbits to expand the internet footprint in India.
 
“We should allow anyone to step in to send these satellites. These orbits are ideal to expand broadband penetration in the country, especially in the North-East,” says R S Sharma, Trai chairman.
 
This will mean breaching the monopoly of Antrix Corporation, the 100 per cent government-owned company that enters into commercial deals for hoisting satellites by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro).
 
While Antrix