The responses to TRAI's consultation paper on low-bandwidth applications for satellite technology are in. Here's what telecom operators have to say on the questions raised in the paper. (You can read our summary of the questions here.) "Low-bandwidth applications" generally refer to applications, which unlike TV broadcasting and satellite internet, don't need a lot of data to work, such as simple IoT devices. Spectrum bands: TRAI asked which spectrum bands should be used for providing IoT services through satellite. "Frequencies in L-band, C-band and S-band are crucial to mobile communication, earmarked for current and future IMT rollout and should not be considered for satellite communication services," Vi said. "We believe all the existing Satellite Frequency bands, as per the frequency plan of the country, should be exploited to provide satellite services," Airtel said. But telcos cautioned against giving away too much spectrum that could otherwise go toward supporting 5G. "Since India is on the cusp of bringing the 5G to masses, ensuring right quantum of sufficient spectrum for 5G services at affordable prices to mobile networks should remain the priority specially in the existing IMT bands or bands with high 5G potential," Airtel added. Tata Communications suggested that spectrum bands that don't lead to too much power waste should be used. "Higher bands being susceptible to atmospheric absorption would lead to higher transmission power nodes and this will directly impact the battery life of IoT devices and sensors used in low data rate applications," it said in its submission. Licensing framework: TRAI asked if there…
