ANTRIX-DEVAS

S-BAND DEAL

S-BAND = SCAM BAND

2G WAS SMALL , NOW WE HAVE
S BAND
 What is the S-Band?
• S- band ( 2- 5 GHz) is coveted by telecom majors as it
could multiply the speed and volume of data transfer.
ISRO has 150 Megahertz of spectrum width in this band.
• The S-band spectrum is crucial for several strategic and
societal services. The Integrated Space Cell of IDS,
Ministry of Defence, has projected a need for 17.5 MHz
in S-band , another 40 MHz during the 12th Plan period
and an additional 50 MHz during the 13th Plan period.
• Armed Forces have also projected the need to build S-
band satellite capacity for national security-related
mobile communications.
• There are further demands for S-band
transponders from international security agencies
viz., BSF, CISF, CRPF, Coast Guard and Police
• Indian Railways have also projected S-band
requirements for train tracking.
• In view of these emerging requirements, there is
an imminent need to preserve the S-band
spectrum for vital strategic and societal
applications
 CONTROVERSIAL PARTIES
• DEVAS MULTI MEDIA

• INDIAN SPACE & RESEARCH ORGANIZATION

 About Devas Multimedia
• In 2008, DEVAS received an approval from
India’s FIPB for raising $75.75 million from
German major Deutsche Telekom. At that time,
the company didn’t even have a website, and
very little could have been ascertained about
them, and what they were planning to do
• Devas has three ISRO veterans on its board and
its chairman M. G. Chandrasekhar is a
former Scientific Secretary of ISRO
• Devas delivers advanced Internet-based
multimedia and interactive data services to
hand-held mobile terminals via unique IP-
based platform. Devas’ integrated satellite
system ensures seamless connectivity
throughout India. 
 What Is The Controversy?
• In 2001, Cabinet had decided on a multi –stage
bidding process for new unified telecom
licences & spectrum sale but existing service
providers were allowed to migrate to new
regime by paying a low fee
• TRAI chairman Pradip Baijal, said even new
applicants should be charged same fee
• This allowed new applicants to avoid bidding for
spectrum and pay less
• The controversial deal involves ISRO’s allocation
of 70 MHz of the S band without competitive
bidding to Devas Multimedia for 20 years
• Recently, BSNL and MTNL were allotted only 20
MHz for Rs 12,487 Crore. But for allocation of
70 MHz to this private operator, the
government is charging only Rs 1,000 Crore
• Alleged loss due to this was Rs 2 lakh Crore
• Devas Multimedia has also been given two
custom-made satellites and 10 transponders for
use
• Agreement, dated January 28, 2005, between M/s
Antrix Corporation Ltd ,( a public sector undertaking
and arm of the Department of Space, Government
of India) and M/s Devas Multi Media Private Ltd for
lifetime lease of 90% capacity of S-band
Transponder of 2 satellites, built by the Indian
Space Research Organization (ISRO) [GSAT -- 6 and
6A].
• ISRO has admitted that UC & SC were not informed
that G-SAT6 & G-SAT6 A were planned for exclusive
use by DEVAS MULTIMEDIA while seeking clearance
• The ISRO is under the department of space
which is under Prime Minister
• There were also certain concerns on the
technical, commercial, managerial and financial
aspects of Antrix-Devas contract, such as severe
penalty clauses for delayed delivery of the
spacecraft and for performance failure/service
interruptions, violation of ICC guideline of 'non-
exclusiveness' in leasing the capacity, the
contract enabling Devas to sub-lease the
capacity without any approvals which could
even given rise to security concerns.
 CURRENT STATUS
• Keeping in view the emerging requirements
for S-band, In 2009 DoS began a
comprehensive review of the Antrix- Devas
deal and In July 2010, decided to annul the
contract
• The PM has denied any loss of revenue .
• There are a lot of questions that are still
unanswered.
Please follow the newspapers for further information
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