UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — TRAI releases Recommendations on ‘The Framework for Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation, and Assignment of Spectrum to Satellite Communication Network Providers'

Q1. With reference to the assignment of spectrum under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Spectrum for uses not covered by the First Schedule is to be assigned by auction.
  2. The Central Government may amend the First Schedule by notification, for instance where auction is not the preferred mode for technical or economic reasons.
  3. Spectrum assigned through the administrative process carries no spectrum charge, since no price is discovered through bidding.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Satellite constellations in low Earth orbit generally offer lower signal latency than satellites in geostationary orbit.
  2. Each satellite in low Earth orbit covers a larger area of the Earth's surface than a satellite in geostationary orbit.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. With reference to satellite communication links and the services used on them under TRAI's SCN framework, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A feeder link connects the satellite to the end-user terminal, and the framework assigns it spectrum from Mobile Satellite Service bands.
  2. User links may be assigned spectrum only from Mobile Satellite Service bands, since Fixed Satellite Service serves earth stations at fixed points.
  3. Direct-to-Device service to ordinary handsets through the MSS route is to use the L and S bands.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 1 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q4. TRAI proposes that MSS be added as a secondary service in the National Frequency Allocation Plan to enable IMT-based Direct-to-Device service. In the scheme of the ITU Radio Regulations, consider the following statements about a secondary service: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Its stations must not cause harmful interference to stations of a primary service in the band.
  2. Its stations cannot claim protection from harmful interference caused by stations of a primary service, whether those frequencies were assigned earlier or later.
  3. Its stations can claim protection from harmful interference caused by stations of the same or another secondary service that are assigned frequencies at a later date.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q5. With reference to TRAI's recommendations on the Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The recommendations take effect only when the Central Government accepts them and gives effect to them through its own instruments, such as an amended National Frequency Allocation Plan.
  2. Because TRAI is a statutory regulator, it grants SCN authorisations and assigns spectrum to applicants once its recommendations are finalised.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. Both 1 and 2
  • D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q6. Consider the following features of TRAI's SCN framework: (i) SCN providers supply capacity only to authorised service providers, not to end users; (ii) SCNaaS charges paid by a service provider are deductible from its Applicable Gross Revenue; (iii) the Authorisation Fee is 8% of Adjusted Gross Revenue, with no minimum fee. Which of the following inferences can validly be drawn from the above?

  1. The framework ensures that satellite-based services will cost end users less than terrestrial broadband.
  2. The framework seeks to stop the unbundled model bearing a heavier levy than a vertically integrated operator providing the same service.
  3. A service provider using SCNaaS no longer needs an authorisation of its own to serve customers.
  4. An SCN provider that earns no Adjusted Gross Revenue in a year owes no Authorisation Fee for that year.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • C. 2 and 4 only
  • D. 3 and 4 only

Q7. Consider the following assertion: India can allow IMT-based Direct-to-Device satellite service before WRC-27 without breaching its obligations under the ITU Radio Regulations. Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion?

  1. Where a national frequency plan conflicts with the ITU Radio Regulations, the national plan prevails.
  2. Article 4.4 of the Radio Regulations lets an administration assign frequencies outside the Table of Allocations, provided the use causes no harmful interference and claims no protection.
  3. The proposed service is to operate within aggregate electric field strength limits designed to protect incumbent services.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3