The Department of Telecom (DoT) has removed Network Operation and Control Centre (NOCC) charges for the use of space segments for all services like VSAT, satellite telephony etc.
The DoT earlier levied Rs 21 lakh per transponder per annum for 36 megahertz of spectrum on a pro-rata basis as NOCC charges. The department also levied NOCC charges of Rs 6,000 for every trial of antenna that are used for receiving and transmitting signals.
The NOCC was created under the DoT to control the transmissions from the ground segment along with the master control facility under the Department of Space to manage the operation of satellites in orbit.
DoT stated, “There shall be no NOCC charges for use of space segment for all DoT licensees for commercial and captive VSAT services, GMPCS (satellite phone service), NLD (national long distance) and other telecom licensees having unified licence or standalone license. This order shall be effective from April 1, 2022.”
Satellite industry body ISPA Director General A.K. Bhatt said that the DoT has amended the Unified License to allow satellite based IoT services, land mobility services and also the removal of NOCC monitoring charges.
He added, “We believe that these progressive policy steps are in the right direction and showcase the government's commitment in supporting the growth of digital communication by leveraging the potential and capability of the satellite communication industry. We also thank TRAI for their vision, support and positive recommendations for the growing space sector.”
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