The Mobile Operators Affiliation of India (COAI) has known as for the event of a regulatory framework for Excessive Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), citing their potential to supply safe, versatile, and cost-effective connectivity options. Excessive-altitude platforms equivalent to solar energy drones, balloons, airships, and so forth, can present safe and versatile protection at decrease price in comparison with satellites, PTI reported, citing a senior COAI official.
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Excessive Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS)
COAI Director Normal S P Kochhar reportedly emphasised that HAPS can function a viable various to conventional satellites, significantly in catastrophe restoration and distant communication eventualities. Kochhar famous that international locations equivalent to america, Japan, and the UK, together with corporations like Airbus (Zephyr) and SoftBank, are investing closely in HAPS applied sciences.
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Benefits and Strategic Use-Instances
“The principle goal of HAPS is just like satellites, however with the benefit of having the ability to be deployed quickly and at a decrease price. HAPS function at a lot decrease altitudes (20-50 km) in comparison with geostationary or low-earth orbit satellites, leading to considerably decrease latency – essential for real-time communication and army operations,” Kochhar stated, as talked about within the report. He clarified that the views expressed have been his private opinion and never the official place of COAI.
He reportedly stated HAPS platforms may be quickly deployed, repositioned, or recovered, providing tactical flexibility that satellites can not present as soon as in orbit. This makes them excellent for catastrophe restoration and emergency networks, significantly in flood or earthquake conditions the place emergency communications and monitoring are important.
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HAPS Can Present Focused Protection
“HAPS are much less inclined to sure space-based threats equivalent to anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, orbital particles or jamming assaults focused at high-orbit infrastructure. From a safety standpoint, HAPS additionally enable for persistent surveillance of delicate border areas or maritime zones with out violating worldwide area treaties or relying on costly satellite tv for pc constellations,” Kochhar was quoted as saying within the report.
In contrast to satellites, that are mounted in orbit and infrequently face latency and spillover points past nationwide borders, HAPS platforms can present focused protection, making them excellent for delicate operations equivalent to border surveillance and maritime monitoring.
Spectrum Allocation for HAPS Companies
Kochhar burdened the necessity for the Division of Telecommunications (DoT) to establish and allocate devoted spectrum bands for HAPS companies whereas making certain their compatibility with present satellite tv for pc and terrestrial networks. “Photo voltaic-powered UAVs suited to Indian local weather circumstances (monsoon, mud storms, excessive humidity) want localised innovation,” Kochhar reportedly stated.
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India’s Alternative in HAPS Growth
He additionally stated there’s a want for a complete regulatory coverage for HAPS operations and airspace administration in India and highlighted the significance of investing in indigenous analysis and improvement by collaborations between the Defence Analysis and Growth Organisation (DRDO), the Indian House Analysis Organisation (ISRO), and personal aerospace startups.
The remarks come as COAI members, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, have lately partnered with Starlink for satellite tv for pc companies—marking a shift in stance after initially opposing its entry into the Indian market. Starlink, nevertheless, remains to be awaiting authorities approval to start operations within the nation, pending safety clearances.
