New Fight for Spectrum in Space

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance, GS3/ Science and Technology

Context

• The rapid expansion of satellite megaconstellations, driven by soaring demand for high-speed connectivity, has intensified the global race for limited spectrum and orbital slots.

What is Satellite Spectrum?

• Satellite spectrum refers to the radio frequencies used for satellite communications.
  • These frequencies enable satellite-based systems to transmit data and signals between satellites in orbit and ground stations. 
• Unlike terrestrial spectrum, satellite spectrum operates without national territorial limits and is managed globally by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). 
• Satellite spectrum is divided into different frequency bands, each suited for specific types of communication

Spectrum allocation in India

• Spectrum for satcom is part of the first schedule of The Telecommunications Act, 2023 (“Assignment of spectrum through administrative process”). 
• Under Section 4(4) of the Act, telecom spectrum shall be assigned through auction “except for entries listed in the First Schedule for which assignment shall be done by administrative process”.
• Administrative process under the Act means assignment of spectrum without holding an auction (a bid process for assignment of spectrum).

Fight for Spectrum in Space

• Spectrum Congestion: Ku, Ka, and L bands are in extremely high demand. Overlapping frequencies risk interference, reducing service quality and threatening critical functions such as GPS.
• Orbital Crowding and Debris: Over 40,000 tracked objects already orbit Earth, including 27,000+ pieces of debris larger than 10 cm.
  • Projections show 50,000+ satellites may orbit by 2030, increasing collision risks and complicating scientific observations.
• The ITU’s first-come, first-served system favours well-resourced spacefaring nations and companies that can file early and manage complex coordination, leaving late entrants with fewer and less valuable spectrum–orbit options.
• Digital Divide and Affordability: LEO satellites offer low latency (20–40 ms), enabling telemedicine and online education.
  • But affordability remains a challenge as Starlink terminal costs $600, unaffordable for most rural populations.
  • The ITU estimates that bridging global digital gaps will require $2.6–2.8 trillion by 2030.

Consequences of the Unregulated Spectrum Race

• Technological Consequences: Increased interference reduces reliability of services such as remote sensing, GPS, and climate observation.
  • Scientific astronomy faces disruptions due to bright satellite trails and radio noise.
• Economic Consequences: Early movers may establish monopolies in satellite broadband markets. Spectrum scarcity raises the cost of deployment for late entrants.
• Geopolitical Consequences: Unequal access to spectrum deepens the strategic divide between advanced and developing nations.
• Social Consequences: Without affordability reforms, satellite Internet may become premium infrastructure serving wealthy users, not underserved communities. This undermines its potential to reduce the global digital gap.

Reforms under World Radiocommunication Conference

• The World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 introduced key reforms through Resolution 8, requiring operators to report any deviation between planned and actual orbital deployments to prevent misuse of filings. 
• It also set phased deployment benchmarks for megaconstellations, 10% within two years, 50% within five years, and full deployment within seven years, to ensure timely and accountable use of spectrum and orbital resources.

Way Ahead

• The spectrum–orbit race demands updated global governance to balance innovation with sustainability, ensuring transparent coordination, stronger debris mitigation, and equitable access. 
• For emerging spacefaring nations like India, active participation in shaping these norms is crucial to keep outer space sustainable and inclusive.

Source: TH