Industry group seeks mmWave band for satellite broadband services

NEW DELHI: The satellite communications or satcom body has sought “urgent intervention” from the minister of communications Ashwini Vaishnaw to reserve the mmWave (millimeter wave) band in the 28GHz frequency range for space broadband services.

In a letter to Vaishnaw, dated September 24, 2021, Satellite Industry Association (SIA) India president Subba Rao Pavuluri said, “The Indian public interest is best served by putting millimeter wave 5G in the 24.25 -27.5 GHz (26 GHz) band, which has been globally harmonized by the ITU for 5G/IMT-2020 and preserving the 27.5-29.5 GHz for broadband satellite services.”

The letter from satellite lobby group has come close on the heels of the telecom department (DoT) seeking views of the sector regulator to put 26GHZ and 28GHz band airwaves on sale for next generation (5G) commercial services by terrestrial network operators.