Congress MP Questions Satellite Spectrum Allocation; Jyotiraditya Scindia Hits Back

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th Dec. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticized the Centre’s decision to allocate satellite spectrum administratively, accusing it of double standards compared to the BJP’s stance during the UPA’s 2G spectrum controversy.

In a post on X, Ramesh referred to a Lok Sabha query by Congress MP Viriato Fernandes questioning whether the move was designed to favor Elon Musk’s Starlink, a claim bolstered by Musk’s own support for administrative allocation over auctions.

In response, Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar clarified that the Telecommunications Act, 2023, allows for administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, which remains chargeable, contributing to government revenue.

Ramesh criticized the government’s decision, alleging it contradicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s longstanding advocacy for auctions and transparency in spectrum allocation. He drew parallels with the UPA-era 2G spectrum case, accusing the BJP of hypocrisy.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia rebuffed Ramesh, defending the decision by highlighting “technical and operational reasons” for administrative allocation. Scindia noted that no country auctions satellite spectrum due to its shareable nature, particularly in the Ku and Ka bands, making auctions impractical.

Scindia further accused Congress of fostering crony capitalism during the 2G era, contrasting it with the Modi government’s transparent auction policies for mobile telephony spectrum. He emphasized that administrative allocation of satellite spectrum is vital to bridge the digital divide and prevent revenue losses.