Question : PRIVATE SATELLITE OWNERSHIP

(a) whether the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is contemplating a new hybrid plan to increase the number of transponders over Indian skies and allow private satellite ownership.

(b) if so, whether the ISRO propose to have joint ventures with other Satellite systems;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government propose to set up a single window clearance system for private satellite operators;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether the ISRO is coordinating with the Department of Telecommunications, M/o Information and Broadcasting as well as the Wireless Monitoring Advisor for settling issues like orbital slots and broadcast frequencies; and

(g) if so, the time by which the final decision is likely to be taken?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES & AGRO AND RURAL INDUSTRIES, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING, DEPARTMENT OF PENSIONS AND PENSIONERS` WELFARE OF THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS, DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY AND DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (SMT. VASUNDHARA RAJE)


(a ) Yes, Sir.


(b) &(c) Yes, Sir. Department of Space is in discussion with other satellite operators like Binariang Satellite Systems Sdn.Bhd (Malaysia) and Intersputnik International Organisation regarding joint ventures. However, so far no agreements have been concluded.

(d),(e)&(f) The Satellite Communication Policy approved by the Government allows private Indian Companies to open, establish and operate Indian Satellite Systems, for which the Indian Administration would be the notifying administration for coordination and notifying process and frequency assignments. The Government has set up a Single Window Committee viz., Committee for Authorising Indian Satellite Systems (CAISS) for clearing private Indian Satellite Systems. The constitution of CAISS is as given below :

1.	Secretary, Department of Space	-	Chairman

2.	Secretary, Department of Telecommunications	-	Member

3.	Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting	-	Member

4.	Secretary(R), Cabinet Secretariat	-	Member

5.	Secretary, Ministry of Defence	-	Member
6.	Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion	-	Member