Broadcasters’ forum appeals to Department of Transportation about C-band concern

The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) has recently sent a letter to the department of telecom (DoT) to restate their position on the division of the C-band spectrum. They argue that it is not feasible to split the 3700-4200 MHz range between terrestrial 5G carriers and satellite services.

In response to a letter from the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB), the IBDF secretary general, Siddharth Jain, wrote to the DoT secretary (telecom) K Rajaraman on June 15. The MIB had requested information and views on the government’s proposal to relocate Indian broadcasting from the current frequency band of 3700-4200 MHz to 4000-4200 MHz.

Expressing opposition to this proposal, the IBDF explains that once high-power 5G transmissions start within the current C-Band spectrum, the low-noise blocks (LNBs) of all receivers will become overloaded, and weak satellite signals will be obliterated. They further state that if broadcasters are moved to the 4000-4200 MHz band, a significant number of channels in the 3700-3800 MHz band, including those using GSAT satellites, will become defunct.

ET has obtained a copy of the letter, where IBDF voices concern that the government’s plan to offer 300 MHz in the 3700-4200 band to telecom operators will adversely affect over 100 TV channels operating in the 3800-4000 MHz frequency range. They also highlight the challenges faced with migrating over 60 channels to safe bands above 3800 MHz due to limited capacity.

The apex TV broadcast body acknowledges that issues concerning the use of spectrum up to 3670 MHz have not yet been resolved. They further note sporadic cases of interference from telecom signals that have disrupted broadcast services. The government has assigned the 3300-3670 MHz band to telecom operators for the rollout of 5G services.

The broadcasters had previously requested a 100 MHz guard band between 3600 MHz and 3700 MHz to ensure the smooth functioning of the broadcast services. However, despite the industry’s appeal, the government extended the frequency band for 5G services up to 3670 MHz. Broadcasters currently rely on the 3700-4200 frequency band to provide satellite broadcasting services.

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