Nelco not competing with terrestrial players: CEO

Tata Group's satellite communications provider, Nelco, is backing lowering of charges for satellite broadband providers recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) for satellite spectrum on grounds that it would hurt operators who are not looking to compete with terrestrial players.

- GULVEEN AULAKH

"We're not playing in the same areas that they are. For instance, I can provide connectivity to a bank but I would not do it in the areas where they (terrestrial players or telcos) are present. I am competing in a place where it's remote and they're not there," PJ Nath, Nelco's managing director and CEO, said in an interaction with Business Standard.

"In fact, we're complementing them. There's no place which will take satellite connectivity if a terrestrial network is present. Even if there are administrative prices, there’s no way that it can be lower than (terrestrial)," he added.