The Ministry of Digital Affairs (moda) announced on October 25 that satellite fixed communications radio frequencies will be open for operators’ applications between November 8 and December 30. To ensure national security, services in Taiwan related to international satellites must meet relevant national security requirements.

The moda expects that by allowing satellite services, more benefits and opportunities will open up in the future. These include stimulating the development of domestic industry chains, providing network service options in rural areas, having back-up mechanisms for emergency communication, and connecting with the world’s emerging technologies and innovative applications.

During the second ministry meeting, the moda Minister Audrey Tang was briefed by the Department of Resource Management on “Opening telecommunication enterprises’ application for satellite fixed  communications radio frequencies.” The meeting also agreed on matters including “Relevant information relating to telecommunication enterprises’ application for satellite fixed communications radio frequency allocation”; “Standards for frequency usage fees”; “Standards for telecommunication enterprises’ application for radio frequency allocation review fees”; and “Guidelines for the review of telecommunication enterprises’ application for satellite fixed communications radio frequencies.”

According to the moda, opening up satellite frequencies is one of the Executive Yuan’s policies, as satellite communication has the advantage of large-scale coverage; it can therefore strengthen signal coverage at sea, on outlying islands, and in mountainous areas. It provides a back-up for public telecommunication networks and ensures that during emergency situations, Taiwan’s communication networks may still operate via geosynchronous or non-geosynchronous satellites, to enhance the resilience of telecommunication networks.

Satellite communication is also a way of lowering the cost in order to popularize communication services, and for providing aircraft and vessel broadband services, thus making it easy for the public to access communication services.

After meeting relevant requirements, operators intending to apply for satellite fixed communications radio frequencies may submit their applications starting on November 8. The moda will begin its revision process as soon as possible after the submission period closes on December 30.

The moda plans to release frequency ranges of 10.7–12.7 GHz, 13.75–14.5 GHz, 17.7–20.2 GHz, and 27.5–30.0 GHz, for geosynchronous and non-geosynchronous satellite fixed communication use. Frequencies between 27.9 and 29.5 GHz will be shared with existing mobile broadband providers after negotiations.

Enterprises may use these radio frequencies for up to two years, after which they may apply again for allocation.

The frequencies, aside from being used for fixed Earth stations, may also be employed by Earth stations such as aircrafts and vessels. The frequencies are used according to International Telecommunication Union regulations.

Meanwhile, according to the Executive Yuan-approved radio frequency provision plan, applicants for frequency use may not cause interference to existing stations, and non-geosynchronous satellites may not interfere with geosynchronous satellites. Non-geosynchronous satellite systems should share frequencies in a balanced and efficient manner.

In terms of eligibility, according to the Telecommunications Management Act, applicants are limited to telecommunication enterprises with chairs who hold Taiwanese citizenship. The enterprises’ equity held directly by foreign shareholders must not exceed 49%, while direct and indirect shareholders may not hold more than 60% equity.

Furthermore, the enterprises may not have any Chinese investors. They must meet the threshold of having a minimum paid-in capital of NT$300 million.

There is no limit to how many enterprises may apply. Additionally, to ensure national security, cooperating satellite organizations must meet the national security requirements of relevant departments.