Page 3 - Satellite

BSNL, Viasat claim successful trial of direct-to-device satellite services

Satellite communications company Viasat, Inc has claimed to have demonstrated direct-to-device satellite connectivity in India for the first time in collaboration with state-owned telco BSNL. The direct-to-device connectivity allows commonly-used devices like mobile phones, smart watches, or cars; industrial machinery and transport operators to connect seamlessly to both terrestrial and satellite coverage without the need for dedicated hardware to connect to satellites. "In the trial, Viasat demonstrated two-way messaging and SoS messaging using a commercial Android smartphone enabled for non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity. The messages were sent roughly 36,000 km to one of Viasat's geostationary L-band satellites. The outcome proves satellite services to cell phone connectivity is technically feasible for Indian consumers and businesses using Viasat's satellite network," Viasat said in a statement. The company said working alongside partner BSNL, Viasat engineers successful

No auction for satellite spectrum; Trai tasked with pricing strategy

At a time when 5G and 6G telecom services are a critical discussion point for their use cases or lack of them, satellite communication has divided industry players

Satcom spectrum's admin allocation big step to connect remote areas: ISpA

Indian Space Association on Wednesday said the government's clear stance on the allocation of Satcom spectrum on an administrative basis is a major step in connecting remote and unserved areas and inclusion of all in digital India. Indian Space Association's (ISpA) Director General AK Bhatt said the satellite industry awaits the final decision based on telecom regulator Trai's consultation paper on spectrum costing. Bhatt noted that the regulator has proposed few methodologies, and added that the satellite industry is "aware" that it will pay a "cost" based on the best method. "We in ISpA welcome the Minister of Telecom for his very unequivocal and clear statement on the method of allocation of spectrum for satellite communication. The government's intent, which had been defined in the Telecom Act, 2023, and which clearly lays down that the assignment of spectrum should be by administrative method and (that) is the globally harmonised method followed all over for using the shared ..

Govt says no auction of satellite spectrum after Musk decries move

Telecoms Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said during a New Delhi event that the spectrum will be allocated administratively in line with Indian laws, and its pricing worked out by the telecom watchdog

Elon Musk takes on Ambani over satellite spectrum allocation in India

The disagreement centres around whether satellite broadband spectrum should be auctioned or administratively allocated in India

Satellite spectrum battle: Ambani calls for auction; Musk backs allocation

While Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper are batting for administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, Reliance Industries argues that auctions are necessary to ensure a fair playing field

India's space strategy: Harness data to capture market beyond SpaceX

Since February, India has opened its space sector to private players and created $119 million venture fund

Reliance Jio seeks govt intervention for fair spectrum allocation

How spectrum for satellite services in India will be given out has been a contentious issue since last year

Trai issues consultation paper on satellite communications, seeks views

Suggests pricing tied to AGR, separate charges for C, Ku, and Ka bands

Gaganyaan to be launched by end of this year: Isro chief Somanath

Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the building of the first unit of the Bharatiya Anatriksh Station by extending the scope of the Gaganyaan

Iran successfully launches satellite in its programme criticised by West

Iran launched a satellite into space Saturday with a rocket built by the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, state-run media reported, the latest for a program the West fears helps Tehran advance its ballistic missile program. Iran described the launch as the second such launch to put a satellite into orbit with the rocket. Independent scientists later confirmed the launch and that the satellite reached orbit. Footage later released by Iranian media showed the rocket blast off from a mobile launcher. An Associated Press analysis of the video and other imagery later released suggested the launch happened at the Guard's launch pad on the outskirts of the city of Shahroud, some 350 kilometres (215 miles) east of the capital, Tehran. The launch comes amid heightened tensions gripping the wider Middle East over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, during which Tehran launched an unprecedented direct missile-and-drone attack on Israel. Meanwhile, Iran continues to enric

Disney, DirecTV reach deal to restore programming to satellite TV users

The deal affords satellite TV subscribers greater choice and flexibility, the companies said in a joint statement

Iran launches satellite in space amid Western concerns over missile risks

Iran launched a satellite into space Saturday with a rocket built by the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, state-run media reported, the latest for a programme the West fears helps Tehran advance its ballistic missile programme. Iran described the launch as a success, which would be the second such launch to put a satellite into orbit with the rocket. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the launch's success, nor did Iranian authorities immediately provide footage or other details. The launch comes amid heightened tensions gripping the wider West Asia over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, during which Tehran launched an unprecedented direct missile-and-drone attack on Israel. Meanwhile, Iran continues to enrich uranium to nearly weapons-grade levels, raising concerns among nonproliferation experts about Tehran's program. Iran identified the satellite-carrying rocket as the Qaem-100, which the Guard used in January for another successful launch

No toll up to 20 km on highways: How new satellite-based toll system works

Under new rules, private vehicles with GNSS can travel up to 20 km daily for free on select highways; a fee will be applied beyond 20 km

Nibe shoots for stars with Earth observation satellite constellation

Partners global giants to orbit India's space self-reliance

Satellite TV provider DirecTV's battle with Disney to reshape bundling

DirecTV's current public battle with Disney has led to 11 million DirecTV customers losing access to ESPN in the middle of the U.S. Open tennis tournamen

Maruti to drive deep into small towns via Arena Satellite showrooms

Banerjee said that in the digital era, there is no real divide between urban and rural. However, in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, there is an affinity for hatchbacks

Disney, DirecTV fail to reach distribution deal, subscribers lose access

Disney balked at DirecTV's request for discounts and lower distribution thresholds, one person familiar with the negotiations said

BS@50: Metro trains to moon landing - 50 milestones in India's tech journey

From fighting hunger and endless queues at rail ticket counters to reaching for the moon and beyond, here's a look at the country's journey to self-reliance through 50 science and tech milestones

Satellites to beam sunlight down to earth at night, says California startup

A California-based startup plans to send satellites with mirrors in space to reflect sunlight onto solar farms at night. They aim to boost solar energy production by providing sunlight after dark