(a) whether the Department of Telecommunications and the Department of Space have rejected TRAI recommendations on an open sky policy for DTH and VSA T services;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the manner in which the Government proposes to start DTH and VSA T services in the country?
THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI DAY ANIDHI MARAN)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 429
FOR 25TH AUGUST, 2004 REGARDING OPEN SKY POLICY.
(a) & (b) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have submitted various recommendations to the Government
on accelerating growth of Internet and Broadband in the country. These recommendations include an Open Sky Policy
permitting use of any international satellite for Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) and Direct-to-Home (DTH) service.
The Department of Telecommunications are examining the recommendation in consultation with other concerned ministries
in Government of India.
(c) DTH and VSAT services are already being provided by operators after obtaining requisite license from Government.