(a) whether the Government have made any assessment about the
requirement of transponders to meet the increasing demand in the field
of Satellite Communications;
(b) if so, the number of transponders presently available and the future
requirement assessed;
(c) the financial implications involved;
(d) whether Government propose to encourage private investments also; and
(e) if so, the plans worked out therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (SMT. VASUNDHARA RAJE):
(a ) Yes, Sir.
(b) The number of transponders presently available in the INSAT System is
79 in C, S and Ku bands. The number of transponders required by the
year 2002 is estimated to be about 135.
(c) The Government has sanctioned 5 satellites in the INSAT-3 series at a
total cost of Rs. 2,429 crores which includes the launch and insurance to
meet the projected requirements.
(d) Yes, Sir. The present Satcom policy allows Indian private parties also to
own and operate their satellites as well as use INSAT capacity on a
commercial basis.
(e) The norms and guidelines for the implementation of Satcom policy have
been finalised.