Starting April 1, TV viewers in India may face disruptions in the broadcast of major events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) as over 100 channels—including those from Sony, Star, and Zee networks—risk going off air if the foreign satellites they rely on do not receive timely approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
Under the government’s mandate, only foreign satellites with IN-SPACe’s authorisation by March 31 will be permitted to offer space-based communication or broadcasting services in India. While entities such as Intelsat, Oneweb, IPStar, OrbitConnect, and Inmarsat have secured approvals, others—including Hong Kong-based AsiaSat and ApStar, China-based ChinaSat, and Malaysia’s Measat—are still awaiting clearance.
Approval delays and industry concerns
The broadcasting industry is seeking either swift approvals for all pending applications or an extension to prevent disruptions. There are concerns over geopolitical factors, particularly regarding satellite operators with Chinese links.
The approval process requires clearance from multiple ministries, including Home Affairs and the Department of Space. Typically, authorisation takes around 120 days after all necessary details are submitted. However, some applications have been pending since September due to additional queries from authorities.
Industry sources indicate that discussions with IN-SPACe are ongoing, and a resolution is expected by early March. There is speculation that a temporary six-month extension may be considered to allow broadcasters to transition to approved satellites, though no official confirmation has been provided.
Possible disruptions and alternative plans
If approvals do not come through in time, broadcasters may have to shift to other authorised satellites at short notice, leading to potential service interruptions. Given existing contractual obligations, disruptions could also prompt legal disputes between broadcasters and satellite providers.
Some operators are reportedly evaluating backup plans, including shifting to Indian satellites, but the short timeframe makes the transition challenging and expensive. A final decision on pending approvals is expected by the end of February, which will provide more clarity before the March 31 deadline. Financial Express