HIGHLIGHTS
- The Department of Transportation has eliminated NOCC costs for the usage of space segment for all licensees.
- The DoT repealed the NOCC charges in an order dated May 6.
- The Department of Transportation established the Network Operations Control Center (NOCC).
To make conducting business easier, the Department of Telecom has eliminated network operation and control center fees for the use of space segments for all services such as VSAT, satellite telephony, and others for which permits are provided by the department. As NOCC charges, the DoT formerly collected Rs. 21 lakh per transponder per year for 36MHz of spectrum on a pro-rata basis.
In addition, the government assessed NOCC costs of Rs 6,000 for each trial of an antenna used for receiving and sending signals.
"NOCC charges for use of space segment shall be waived for all DoT licensees providing commercial and captive VSAT services, GMPCS (satellite phone service), NLD (national long distance), and other telecom licensees holding a unified or standalone license. This rule will take effect on April 1, 2022 "The Department of Transportation stated in a May 6 decree.
The Department of Transportation established the Network Operations Oversee Center to control transmissions from the ground segment (satellite earth stations), while the Department of Space established the master control facility to govern the functioning of satellites in space.
According to AK Bhatt, director general of satellite industry association ISPA, the DoT has revised the Unified License to allow satellite-based IoT services, land mobility services, and the elimination of NOCC monitoring charges.
"We think that these progressive legislative initiatives are a step in the right way and demonstrate the government's commitment to promoting the expansion of digital communication by using the satellite communication industry's potential and capacity. We also appreciate TRAI's vision, support, and good recommendations for the expanding space industry "Bhatt stated.
