This session will address satellite licensing principles for India and other Asian countries. This session serves as a pivotal platform to explore and dissect the intricate landscape of satellite licensing issues also in view of emerging NGSO constellations. As the space economy burgeons with unprecedented vigour, propelled by a surge in both public and private investments, the importance of robust regulatory frameworks cannot be overstated. India, with its burgeoning space program and ambitious goals, stands at the forefront of this transformative era. Within this session, we will embark on an illuminative journey, addressing six fundamental questions that encapsulate the essence of satellite licensing in India.

The session will focus on the planning considerations for the upper 6 GHz band, spanning from 6425 to 7125 MHz, and the issues surrounding spectrum sharing between satellites, Wi-Fi and IMT services. As demand for broadband connectivity surges, particularly in urban areas, reconciling the competing needs of satellite and terrestrial services within this frequency range becomes imperative. The session will also delve on the lower 6GHz band from 5925 to 6425 MHz, and the implications of already delayed WiFi delicensing. As WiFi emerges as a ubiquitous connectivity enabler, especially in densely populated areas and urban centres, the allocation of spectrum in the lower 6 GHz band assumes heightened significance. Use of the Ka band spectrum for satellites and IMT services emerges as another focal point of our discussion, encapsulating also the nuances of coexistence and collaboration within this frequency range. Spectrum planning for E and V bands is key to fostering economic development and innovation. As nations seek to harness the transformative power of millimetre-wave frequencies for next-generation communication services and emerging technologies, strategic spectrum planning assumes critical importance. By elucidating the regulatory frameworks, technical considerations, and policy imperatives surrounding E and V band spectrum utilization, we aim to catalyse innovation, drive economic growth, and foster inclusive development.

This session will explore of the transformative potential of next-generation NGSO satellite technologies in fostering ubiquitous connectivity across the globe. As societies become increasingly interconnected and digitalized, the imperative of ensuring seamless and reliable connectivity for all emerges as a pressing priority. NGSO satellite networks emerge as a linchpin in bridging the digital divide and enabling ubiquitous access to high-speed internet services extending coverage to underserved regions, and enhancing resilience in the face of natural disasters and infrastructure disruptions. Direct to Device (D2D) and Hybrid Connectivity models, wherein NGSO satellites play a pivotal role in delivering seamless connectivity to a diverse array of end-user devices needs a careful look at the technological, regulatory, and market dynamics shaping these connectivity paradigms. Along with the role of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite constellations, emerging technologies such as Low Altitude Platform Stations (LAPS), High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), and Hybrid Integrated Broadband Systems (HIBS) also merit consideration.

The focus on Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits outlined in Article 22, presents a pivotal opportunity to assess and potentially refine regulatory frameworks governing satellite communications. The key question is whether there's a need to revisit Article 22. Given the rapid advancements in satellite technology and the evolving demands of the space industry, reassessing the limits outlined in Article 22 is a tricky issue. This entails evaluating the effectiveness of existing protection mechanisms in addressing interference concerns, streamlining processes to accommodate new satellite constellations, and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders to optimize spectrum utilization. Power limits on IMT stations emissions in the frequency bands shared with satellite services have been set, aiming to prevent harmful interference to satellite receivers and ensure equitable spectrum access.

In this session, we will navigate the intricate landscape of space governance, examining the roles of key international bodies such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations (UN) in promoting space sustainability. Additionally, we will explore the feasibility and necessity of implementing binding regulations to safeguard space environments and preserve orbital resources for future generations. The session will consider the Space Sustainability frameworks established by the ITU and the UN. The ITU plays a pivotal role in coordinating the allocation of radiofrequency spectrum and satellite orbits to prevent harmful interference and promote the efficient use of space resources. In contrast, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) spearhead efforts to develop international norms and guidelines for space activities, including the mitigation of space debris and the sustainable management of space traffic. By comparing and contrasting the approaches of these two organizations, we aim to identify synergies and gaps in existing frameworks for promoting space sustainability. Central to our dialogue is the question of whether binding regulations are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. While voluntary guidelines and non-binding agreements have been instrumental in shaping responsible behaviour in space, the proliferation of space debris and the intensification of space activities underscore the need for stronger regulatory mechanisms. Through a rigorous examination of the advantages and challenges associated with binding regulations, we seek to evaluate the feasibility of establishing enforceable rules to govern space activities, including the prevention of space debris generation, the mitigation of collision risks, and the sustainable use of orbital slots and frequencies.

In this session, we will navigate the intricate landscape of space governance, examining the roles of key international bodies such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations (UN) in promoting space sustainability. Additionally, we will explore the feasibility and necessity of implementing binding regulations to safeguard space environments and preserve orbital resources for future generations. The session will consider the Space Sustainability frameworks established by the ITU and the UN. The ITU plays a pivotal role in coordinating the allocation of radiofrequency spectrum and satellite orbits to prevent harmful interference and promote the efficient use of space resources. In contrast, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) spearhead efforts to develop international norms and guidelines for space activities, including the mitigation of space debris and the sustainable management of space traffic. By comparing and contrasting the approaches of these two organizations, we aim to identify synergies and gaps in existing frameworks for promoting space sustainability. Central to our dialogue is the question of whether binding regulations are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. While voluntary guidelines and non-binding agreements have been instrumental in shaping responsible behaviour in space, the proliferation of space debris and the intensification of space activities underscore the need for stronger regulatory mechanisms. Through a rigorous examination of the advantages and challenges associated with binding regulations, we seek to evaluate the feasibility of establishing enforceable rules to govern space activities, including the prevention of space debris generation, the mitigation of collision risks, and the sustainable use of orbital slots and frequencies.