Govt mulling over multi-pricing policy for Satellite Transponders
By TIOL News Service
NEW DELHI, JULY 24, 2014: BASED on the review and approval of INSAT Co-ordination Committee (ICC) and Space Commission, a revised policy guideline for allocation and pricing of transponders has been evolved and is being processed for Government approval. It envisages a rational classification structure for users such as Strategic, Government including Societal, not-for-profit PSUs and Commercial to form a basis for allocation and pricing of transponders.
At present, there are 12 INSAT/GSAT satellites in orbit, out of which 10 are communication satellites and 2 are meteorological satellites. In INSAT/GSAT satellite system there are 41 Government users and 59 non-Government users are utilizing the capacity in C band, Extended C Band and Ku band to the extent of 152 transponders (36 MHz equivalent each).
At present, a uniform pricing policy is implemented for all categories of users. However, a multi-pricing policy for transponders is under the consideration of the Government as INSAT systems transponders are utilized for non-profit purposes viz. Governmental, societal, strategic as well as for commercial purposes.
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Science and Technology, M/o Earth Sciences, D/o Atomic Energy and D/o Space Dr. Jitendra Singh in reply to a written question in the Lok Saha yesterday.
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