Space broadband group opposes mandatory equipment testing, says facilities ill-equipped

NEW DELHI: A satellite communication or satcom lobby group has sought the telecom department’s intervention to exempt satellite equipment from mandatory testing and certification framework, citing ill-equipped facilities, and cost burden on the nascent sector.

In a letter to telecom secretary K Rajaraman, dated May 23, 2023, the Satcom said, “the cost of testing is a burden that, when passed on to the consumer, raises the capex per unit,” and added that the “testing facilities in the country are inadequate and ill-equipped.”

“The testing facilities in the country today are inadequate and ill-equipped to handle the test requirements of multiple product types, each with a low annual volume. This will lead to delayed timelines of the many projects,” Delhi-based body said.