Foreign satellite providers have not yet received the necessary approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre.
Digital Desk: Starting on 1ST April, 2023 India will experience major disruption throughout major events including IPL matches because 100 channels operate under risk of premature shutdown including Sony channels and those from Star and Zee. The cause? The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has not granted the needed approval to foreign satellite providers.
The government imposed regulations state that foreign satellites need IN-SPACe approval as a prerequisite to continue space-based communication or broadcasting services in India until the end of March. A few operators such as Intelsat and OneWeb have obtained approval yet at least three companies including AsiaSat and ChinaSat and Measat from Malaysia still await adequate clearance from IN-SPACe.
The prolonged waiting period has generated extensive concern among broadcasting organizations. Broadcasters are urging IN-SPACe to process pending applications or grant additional time before the upcoming IPL events to prevent service interruptions. The satellites of some providers with Chinese connections face delays because of geopolitical factors.
Broadcasters find themselves compelled to adopt approved satellites on quick notice when they cannot obtain proper clearance on time. The quick transition would probably disrupt provided services and result in legal conflicts against existing satellite contracts. The urgent nature of the situation makes it challenging and expensive for operators to switch to Indian satellites as a backup option.
A final decision on the approvals is expected by the end of February which will bring clarity before the 31st March deadline.
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