ISMC-24: A review

The India Spectrum Management Conference is ITU-APT Foundation of India’s annual mega event which focuses on key spectrum policies, issues, challenges and the way forward. This year, the 4th ISMC was held November 7-8, 2024, in the Capital. It served as a prominent forum for in depth analysis, discussions on key issues related to spectrum – policy, allocation, pricing, uses, use cases, international best practices and the future of spectrum management in the country. It was attended by national, regional, and global spectrum leaders. It will provide a high-level platform for networking and engaging in debates that shape the spectrum ecosystem in the country.

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The inaugural session on the “Importance of Spectrum in Digital India and Ubiquitous Connectivity” had TR Dua, Chairman, IAFI give the welcome address highlighting the criticality of assigning spectrum.

Revathi Mannepalli, Joint Wireless Advisor, WPC Wing, DoT spoke on regulating imports of wireless equipment for business applications or demonstration.

Prof Raul Katz, President, Telecom Advisory Services, LLP, USA and Visiting Prof University of San Andres, Argentina launched an economic study of 6 GHz and spoke on the importance of Wi-Fi spectrum in 6GHz band and how it will deliver the highest impact for India to enable ubiquitous connectivity and drive digital transformation.

Forhadul Parvez, Programme officer, APT, Bangkok, Thailand outlined the role of APT in preparatory activities especially for formulating APT common proposals for WRCs. He also pointed out how APT’s vision is to facilitate coordination within the region with regard to major issues pertaining to telecommunication services and information infrastructure with a view to strengthening the region’s international position.

Heiko Ross, Director Sales & Marketing, LS Telcom gave significant inputs on tools for spectrum planning and coordination more so given that the demand for the scarce resource is greater than supply.

Alexander Kuhn, BNetzA, Germany and Chairman CPM-WRC-27 presented his learnings from spectrum assignments for private networks in Germany. He discussed the successes and the challenges networks of spectrum allocation.

The chief guest of the session, Isabelle Mauro, Director General, Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) delivered her insight on the role of satellite networks in connecting the unconnected and ubiquitous connectivity in underserved areas of the country.

Satya Gupta, secretary-general, IAFI gave his vote of thanks.

The session on “Framework for Planning of the 6 GHz Band – What Are the Right Choices for India?” chaired by Gulab Chand , Joint Wireless Advisor at Department of Telecommunications ( DOT ) , explored strategic decisions for 6 GHz spectrum allocation.

Martha Suarez , Dynamic Spectrum Alliance and UK Srivastava, Jio discussed balancing licensed and unlicensed use, while Rishant Dahiya, Cisco and Alan Norman, Meta emphasized the benefits of open access for Wi-Fi growth.

Monisha Ghosh and Debashish Bhattacharya highlighted global frameworks India could adapt, and Bashir Patel, Inmarsat advocated for satellite and terrestrial coexistence.

The session underscored a balanced approach to foster connectivity and support India’s digital goals.

The session on “Spectrum Pricing and the Future of Spectrum Auctions,” was moderated by Pankaj Sharma, Partner in Regulatory Consulting at EY. He examined strategies to optimize spectrum pricing and auction design for India’s telecom sector.

Gulab Chand, Joint Wireless Advisor at DoT’s WPC Wing, and Prof. Rohit Prasad from MDI provided insights into economic principles that could guide fair pricing, considering the value spectrum brings to digital connectivity.

Rahul Vatts (Bharti Airtel) and Ravi Gandhi (Reliance Jio) discussed the impact of pricing on service affordability and network expansion, emphasizing the need for policies that encourage investment and fair competition.

Khandagale Dhammapal Anil from DoT added perspectives on funding requirements for satellite services, underlining the importance of strategic pricing to support diverse connectivity needs.

Together, the panel explored how a balanced approach to spectrum pricing and auctions can support both government revenue goals and the industry’s growth trajectory

The session on “Spectrum Issues in Broadcasting, PMSE, and Related Services,” chaired by Viresh Goel, Joint Wireless Advisor at the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, brought together key experts to discuss the evolving spectrum requirements across various sectors.

Martin Brock, Senior Manager of Global Regulatory Policy at Shure Incorporated, highlighted the growing spectrum demands of the PMSE (Programme Making and Special Events) industry.

Dr. Vinosh Babu James, Director of Technical Standards at Qualcomm, explored spectrum considerations for Direct-to-Device broadcasting, emphasizing its potential in direct content delivery.

Rajiv Kumar, Director at Doordarshan, addressed the needs of the broadcasting industry, while Prof. Yashwant Gupta, Distinguished Professor and Centre Director at NCRA-TIFR, underscored the critical spectrum requirements for radio astronomy.

Together, these insights underscored the challenges and necessities of spectrum allocation to support innovation and operational efficiency in broadcasting, PMSE, and scientific research.

The session on “Spectrum Issues for Non-Terrestrial and Satellite Networks,” examined the growing spectrum needs of satellite and non-terrestrial networks.

H Rayappa, Director of Frequency Management at ISRO HQ, and Vinay Paliwal, Assistant Director at IN-SPACe, provided insights into frequency management strategies and the role of India’s space sector in efficient spectrum utilization.
Amit Gulati, Senior Deputy Wireless Advisor at the WPC Wing, delivered keynote addresses outlining the regulatory landscape and challenges.

Dr. Laura Roberti, Senior Director of Spectrum and Market Access at Telesat, and Dr. Punit Rathod, Lead Technical Standards at Qualcomm, discussed global perspectives on spectrum access and technical requirements for satellite services.

Together, these discussions highlighted the critical need for streamlined spectrum allocation to support innovation and growth in satellite communication.

The workshop on 6G, “India’s Path towards a Successful Leadership in 6G” was set with minister of communication, Jyotiraditya Scindia’s quote “We followed the world in 4G, we marched with it in 5G, but we will lead it in 6G”.

The session focused on India’s strategic efforts to secure a prominent role in the emerging 6G landscape.

Chaired by Dr R K Upadhayay, CEO and Chairman of the Project Board at C-DoT, and coordinated by R K Pathak, DG of the Bharat 6G Alliance, the session underscored India’s aspirations to lead in next-generation connectivity.

Dr. Sendil Kumar Devar, Director of Standards and Spectrum at Ericsson, and Luigi Ardito, Spectrum Group Chairman at the GSA, shared global perspectives on standards and spectrum strategies.

Dr. Vinosh Babu James of Qualcomm, Dr. Stuart Cooke of GSMA UK, and Prof. Radhakrishnan Ganti of IIT Chennai discussed the technical challenges and opportunities of 6G deployment.

Contributions from A. Jishnu of Tejas Networks, Prashant Kumar of DoT, and Dr. Preeti Banzal from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser highlighted India’s policy framework for 6G innovation.

Additionally, academic leaders Prof. Paresh Saxena of BITS Pilani, Prof. Rajeev Shorey of IIIT Surat, and Professor Monisha Ghosh of the University of Notre Dame, with her outreach role at NSF’s SpectrumX, discussed the importance of research and cross-sector collaboration in making 6G a reality for India. This diverse panel highlighted the need for advanced research, robust policy, and international partnerships to ensure India’s leadership in 6G.

Closing Remarks and vote of thanks was delivered by Bharat Bhatia, President, IAFI.

CT Bureau