MIB Tightens Regulations On Satellite TV Broadcasting

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a new directive requiring all satellite TV channels to obtain authorisation from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) before using non-Indian satellite capacity for broadcasting services.

The ministry's advisory emphasises that only satellites authorised by IN-SPACe will be permitted to provide space-based communication and broadcast services within Indian territory. The regulation applies to both new and additional capacity requirements, as well as any changes in satellite usage.

The advisory states, “Any new capacity, additional capacity, change of satellite etc. on non-Indian Satellite/Constellation needs IN-SPACE Authorisation, through an Indian Entity, in order to enable provisioning of its capacity to users for communication/ broadcast services in Indian Territory.”

To comply with these new regulations, satellite TV channels must submit their applications for IN-SPACe authorisation through the organisation's digital platform. The ministry has clarified that the applying entity must be Indian, stating, “Applications for IN-SPACE authorisation must be submitted through the IN-SPACE digital platform by an Indian Entity. This entity could be an Indian subsidiary, joint venture or collaboration, or an authorised dealer/ representative of the non-Indian satellite operator in India.”

While the new regulations are set to take full effect from 1 April 2025, the ministry has allowed a grace period for existing arrangements. Current provisions for capacity in C, Ku or Ka frequency bands from non-Indian satellite operators will be permitted to continue until 31 March 2025.

The advisory clearly outlines the future landscape of satellite broadcasting in India. "Effective from 01.04.2025 only IN-SPACE authorized non-Indian GSO satellites and/or NGSO satellite constellations are permitted for provisioning their capacity to provide space-based communication/ broadcast services in India", it said.