No More Zee, Sony, Star? Over 100 Channels in Limbo as March Deadline Nears

Indian television consumers may face disruptions in the broadcast of about 100 channels, including favourites like Star, Zee, and Sony, after March 31. This is because the foreign satellites these channels rely on have yet to receive approval from India's space regulator, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). 

As per a government directive issued in May last year, foreign satellites offering space-based communication or broadcasting services in India must secure authorisation from IN-SPACe by March 31 to continue their operations in the country. 

According to a report by The Economic Times, while a few foreign satellites—such as Intelsat, OneWeb, IPStar, OrbitConnect, and Inmarsat—have secured authorisation, others, including Hong Kong’s AsiaSat and ApStar, China’s ChinaSat, and Malaysia’s Measat, are still awaiting approval. 

Citing officials, the report said that many foreign companies’ authorisation applications have been pending since last September, possibly due to incomplete information. As per IN-SPACe norms, the authorisation process can take up to 120 days. The approval requires clearance from multiple ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Space. 

A committee evaluating foreign satellite operators considers various parameters, including shareholding patterns, before granting authorisation. Security remains the top priority when approving foreign satellites, an official told ET. 

Point to note: the mandate affects TV broadcasting, while content on over-the-top (OTT) platforms will remain unaffected.

What If Authorisation Doesn't Come Through?

If approval is not granted, TV broadcasters may need to switch to authorised satellites at short notice, potentially disrupting services. This could also lead to legal disputes between broadcasters and satellite providers due to existing contractual obligations. 

Broadcasters rely on satellites to share content, including live feeds, with partners in other regions. Failing to secure approval on time may force them to explore alternative, potentially costly solutions. 

Some operators are reportedly evaluating backup plans, including shifting to Indian satellites. However, the tight deadline and capacity constraints make this transition challenging.