GOVERNMENT LIKELY TO LIBERALISES ON VSATS FURTHER

The department of space (DoS) has given the green signal to firms using V-Sats for data transmission to up-link to foreign satellites. So far, V-Sat operators were allowed to up-link to only Indian satellite system (Insat) birds for reasons of national security. The DoS proposal is to be discussed at an Insat Coordination Committee meeting to be held shortly. The shift in DoS' stance has come, as there is a shortage of C-band transponders on Insat birds. The government has banned commercial transmission on Ku-band. V-Sat operators have been demanding that they be allowed to use Ku-band for data transmission. And they have again made an appeal to be allowed this facility.