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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
TRAI begins consultation for modalities of spectrum assignment in backhaul bands
TRAI on Wednesday began the consultation process for assignment of spectrum in six bands traditionally used for microwave backhaul between towers, as well as E and V bands, as the regulator sought stakeholder views on aspects like demand, terms and conditions, and charges. The discussion paper - which typically marks the first step in a comprehensive consultation process before TRAI finalises and sends its recommendations to DoT - pertains to assignment of the microwave spectrum in lower 6 GHz, 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz Bands, E-Band, and V-Band. As per the industry, the E and V bands are of particular interest as it provides a high-throughput backhaul for data-heavy 5G. Put simply, a public telecommunication network consists of the access network, core network and backhaul links. The access network is the last mile connectivity to consumer devices, while core network connects the access network to global public networks. The backhaul links are used to connect the access network with the core network. "...a consultation paper on assignment of the Microwave Spectrum in 6 GHz (lower), 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz Bands, E-Band, and V-Band has been placed on the TRAI's website for seeking comments and counter-comments from stakeholders," the regulator said in a release. Live Events The telecom regulator has sought stakeholder views on over 50 questions - and has stipulated June 25, 2025 as deadline for comments and July 9 for counter comments. The questions include gauging the level of demand for the spectrum in the traditional microwave backhaul bands; the commercial services for which these bands should be assigned; and the method for such assignment. Other queries raised include the associated terms and conditions, validity period of assignment, and rollout obligations. The backhaul spectrum is a part of the First Schedule of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 for which the assignment method is administrative. "What should be the terms and conditions for the assignment of spectrum in traditional microwave backhaul bands for radio backhaul purposes of various commercial telecommunication services, such as - carrier size; carrier aggregation; validity period of the assignment; renewal mechanism; rollout obligations; and surrender of spectrum" TRAI asked. In select cases -- the 7125-8400 MHz range in the 7 GHz band and the 14.8-15.35 GHz range in the 15 GHz -- which are being considered for IMT (broadband mobile systems) in ITU's World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027 (WRC27), TRAI has asked whether there is a need to review the usage of 7 GHz and 15 GHz microwave backhaul bands at this stage itself, or should such a review be undertaken after considering the outcome of WRC-27. In case the decision is to earmark certain quantum of spectrum in traditional microwave backhaul bands for the last-mile connectivity ( Fixed Wireless Access ) to the customer equipment of commercial telecommunication services, TRAI asked stakeholders for their views on required quantum, eligibility criteria, and terms and conditions (block size, minimum quantity for bidding, spectrum cap, validity period of the assignment; as well as rollout and surrender). "Whether flexible use, that is, both backhaul connectivity , and last mile connectivity (fixed wireless access) to the customer equipment should be permitted in the frequency ranges earmarked for such purposes? If yes, should the terms and conditions of the auction of spectrum be the same as those applicable for the access spectrum," TRAI asked. TRAI asked if there is any need to prescribe measures to provide necessary protection to incumbent users such as Fixed Microwave (backhaul) Services, Fixed Satellite Service (FSS)operating in the 6 GHz (lower) band, given that government has now decided to delicense the 6 GHz (lower) band (5.925-6.425 GHz) for low power applications. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) also posed questions on the level of demand of the spectrum in the E-band (71-76 GHz, and 81-86 GHz) and V-band (57-64/66 GHz) for each of the service/ usage that is backhaul, access and Integrated Access & Backhaul or IAB. In another question, TRAI has asked that if the said six bands for radio backhaul of various commercial telecom services are assigned on a Point-toPoint (P2P) Link basis, or block basis, should the spectrum charges be levied as a percentage of Adjusted Gross Revenue (and if so how much) or should other mechanism be considered. "In case it is decided to assign some frequency spectrum in 6 (lower)/7/13/15/18/21 GHz spectrum bands for last mile connectivity (Fixed Wireless Access) of commercial telecom services through auction, then should the auction determined price of other bands by using spectral efficiency factor serve as a basis of valuation for the above bands," TRAI said, in one of the questions.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
High court dismisses plea against trial in Manesar land scam involving Hooda, others
Chandigarh: With the Punjab and on Thursday dismissing petitions filed against continuing of trial in the , decks have been cleared for resuming the trial against former Haryana chief minister and other accused. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The accused include some former bureaucrats such as S S Dhillon, Chhatar Singh, and M L Tayal, who served as principal secretaries to the then CM, as well as some builders. The trial against Hooda, bureaucrats, and builders came to a halt in Dec 2020 after some of the bureaucrats and builders approached HC. Hooda, however, did not approach HC but benefited from the stay on the trial. Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul passed these orders while dismissing a bunch of petitions filed by some bureaucrats and builders who were summoned for trial in the case. The order regarding the dismissal of the petitions was announced in the open court by the judge but a copy of the order was not available until the filing of this report. The CBI had sought vacation of the stay on trial. In Feb 2018, the CBI submitted a chargesheet against Hooda and 33 others, including three former Haryana bureaucrats who worked with him in CMO, real estate companies, and the officials of the department of town and country planning Haryana, in relation to a land acquisition scam causing a loss of around Rs 1,500 crore to farmers of Gurgaon district. The main allegations in the entire scam are that hundreds of acres of land acquired from farmers of Manesar and adjoining villages in Gurgaon district at a low rate for "public purpose" was later licensed to real estate companies/builders/colonizers after bestowing out-of-term favours and concessions. Later in 2020, the CBI judge also summoned some more bureaucrats. CBI filed FIR in 2015 On Sep 17, 2015, CBI registered an FIR in relation to the scam, according to which, the Hooda-led state govt issued a notification in 2004 under sections 4, 6, and 9 of the Land Acquisition Act for the acquisition of around 912 acres for setting up an Industrial Model Township (IMT) at Manesarand other places in Gurgaon. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now After that, around 400 acres of the said land was allegedly grabbed from landowners by private builders under the threat of acquisition at meagre rates. Later, an order was also passed by the director of industries on Aug 24, 2007, releasing this 400-acre land from the acquisition process in favour of the builders, their companies, and agents, instead of the original landowners. "In the said manner, land measuring about 400 acres, whose market value at that time was around Rs 4 crore per acre, totalling around Rs 1,600 crore, was allegedly purchased by private builders and others from landowners for only around Rs 100 crore," stated the FIR. The FIR said this caused an alleged loss of Rs 1,500 crore to landowners of three villages of Gurgaon district.
Pembrokeshire Herald
15-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Call for CCTV cameras to tackle Pembrokeshire fly tipping
Campaigners call for permit reduction instead, warning trust has been 'shredded' THE COMPANY behind Pembrokeshire's controversial Withyhedge landfill site has sparked outrage by applying to increase the volume of waste it is allowed to receive by an extra 50,000 tonnes per year. Resources Management (UK) Limited (RML), the operator of the privately-run site near Dreenhill, has submitted an application to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) seeking a formal variation to its existing environmental permit. Currently, the site is authorised to accept up to 250,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste annually. The proposed increase would allow a further 50,000 tonnes specifically for what RML describes as a new 'waste recovery activity'. RML wants a formal variation to its existing environmental permit NRW confirmed this week that the additional material would be used solely for 'engineering and capping' purposes—namely, restoring the site using soil-based materials. According to the regulator, RML has depleted its on-site stock and now needs to import external material to continue these works. But campaigners say the timing and nature of the request are unacceptable, given the site's recent history. Colin Barnett, a founder member of the campaign group Stop the Stink, said: 'We will be taking part in NRW's consultation and will be insisting that rather than increasing the waste accepted, NRW should decrease it by 50,000 tonnes.' 'This whole saga began because they rammed waste they should not have accepted into that landfill. Until they can be trusted to manage the site professionally, the answer must be no to any increase.' Mr Barnett and others have criticised NRW and Pembrokeshire County Council for what they view as premature scaling back of oversight, after the multi-agency Incident Management Team (IMT) and Air Quality Group were both stood down earlier this year. The IMT had been established in 2023 following a major public outcry over emissions from the landfill. Residents across Haverfordwest, Merlin's Bridge and beyond complained of overpowering smells and health impacts linked to Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S), a gas that smells like rotten eggs and can cause nausea, eye irritation and headaches. One local described the site at the time as 'a stink bomb on steroids.' Campaigners have been complaining about the landfill for years The site was temporarily closed in May 2023 and only reopened in January this year after NRW confirmed that RML had completed all required compliance works. Despite this, odour complaints have continued, including a flare-up in Haverfordwest earlier this month (May 1), prompting further public anger. PCC later stated that no landfill-related odours were detected during its investigation of those complaints, while air quality monitoring at Spittal School has reportedly shown no exceedances attributable to the site. NRW says it remains committed to unannounced inspections and that its investigation into previous breaches is ongoing. 'We recognise the high level of public interest in this landfill,' said a spokesperson. 'We will be enhancing our communications as part of the upcoming consultation. Further details will be shared in due course.' But campaigners remain sceptical, warning that trust in the operator—and in the regulators—has been 'shredded.' 'We would like to reassure residents that unlike NRW and PCC, we are still monitoring the landfill's activities closely,' said Mr Barnett. 'People's lives were turned upside down last year. You can't just forget that because the wind changes direction for a few weeks.' Have your say: Residents wishing to comment on the application can do so during NRW's public consultation, details of which are expected to be released shortly.
Pembrokeshire Herald
14-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Withyhedge landfill operator seeks to increase waste limit by 50,000 tonnes
Campaigners call for permit reduction instead, warning trust has been 'shredded' THE COMPANY behind Pembrokeshire's controversial Withyhedge landfill site has sparked outrage by applying to increase the volume of waste it is allowed to receive by an extra 50,000 tonnes per year. Resources Management (UK) Limited (RML), the operator of the privately-run site near Dreenhill, has submitted an application to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) seeking a formal variation to its existing environmental permit. Currently, the site is authorised to accept up to 250,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste annually. The proposed increase would allow a further 50,000 tonnes specifically for what RML describes as a new 'waste recovery activity'. RML wants a formal variation to its existing environmental permit NRW confirmed this week that the additional material would be used solely for 'engineering and capping' purposes—namely, restoring the site using soil-based materials. According to the regulator, RML has depleted its on-site stock and now needs to import external material to continue these works. But campaigners say the timing and nature of the request are unacceptable, given the site's recent history. Colin Barnett, a founder member of the campaign group Stop the Stink, said: 'We will be taking part in NRW's consultation and will be insisting that rather than increasing the waste accepted, NRW should decrease it by 50,000 tonnes.' 'This whole saga began because they rammed waste they should not have accepted into that landfill. Until they can be trusted to manage the site professionally, the answer must be no to any increase.' Mr Barnett and others have criticised NRW and Pembrokeshire County Council for what they view as premature scaling back of oversight, after the multi-agency Incident Management Team (IMT) and Air Quality Group were both stood down earlier this year. The IMT had been established in 2023 following a major public outcry over emissions from the landfill. Residents across Haverfordwest, Merlin's Bridge and beyond complained of overpowering smells and health impacts linked to Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S), a gas that smells like rotten eggs and can cause nausea, eye irritation and headaches. One local described the site at the time as 'a stink bomb on steroids.' Campaigners have been complaining about the landfill for years The site was temporarily closed in May 2023 and only reopened in January this year after NRW confirmed that RML had completed all required compliance works. Despite this, odour complaints have continued, including a flare-up in Haverfordwest earlier this month (May 1), prompting further public anger. PCC later stated that no landfill-related odours were detected during its investigation of those complaints, while air quality monitoring at Spittal School has reportedly shown no exceedances attributable to the site. NRW says it remains committed to unannounced inspections and that its investigation into previous breaches is ongoing. 'We recognise the high level of public interest in this landfill,' said a spokesperson. 'We will be enhancing our communications as part of the upcoming consultation. Further details will be shared in due course.' But campaigners remain sceptical, warning that trust in the operator—and in the regulators—has been 'shredded.' 'We would like to reassure residents that unlike NRW and PCC, we are still monitoring the landfill's activities closely,' said Mr Barnett. 'People's lives were turned upside down last year. You can't just forget that because the wind changes direction for a few weeks.' Have your say: Residents wishing to comment on the application can do so during NRW's public consultation, details of which are expected to be released shortly.
Broadcast Pro
30-04-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Ground Control launches first certified Iridium Certus 9704 device
The device is available now for early access inquiries, with initial production set for May and full availability from July 2025. Ground Control has introduced the RockBLOCK Pro, the first certified Iridium Certus 9704 satellite IoT gateway to hit the market, marking a major step forward in remote communications technology. Designed for harsh outdoor and industrial environments, the ruggedised terminal is powered by the Iridium Certus 9704 module and Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT), enabling faster data throughput, significantly larger message sizes, and improved power efficiency compared to previous generations. The RockBLOCK Pro supports bi-directional messaging from 25 bytes to 100 KB, suitable for transmitting aggregated sensor data, images and audio clips, with typical end-to-cloud latency of under 10 seconds. It also boasts an 83% reduction in idle power consumption over earlier Iridium 9602 and 9603 modules, enhancing its utility for mission-critical and power-sensitive applications. Built to IP66 standards, the device offers flexible antenna options and maintains compatibility with legacy Iridium AT command sets, allowing seamless upgrades for existing deployments. Additional features include built-in GNSS, Bluetooth and configurable digital I/O, making it suitable for telemetry, asset tracking, environmental monitoring and autonomous systems. The RockBLOCK Pro integrates directly with Ground Controls Cloudloop Data platform, enabling delivery to cloud services like AWS, Azure and Google Cloud, or through webhooks, MQTT and email. Alastair MacLeod, CEO of Ground Control, said: 'RockBLOCK Pro redefines the satellite IoT gateway category by bringing together power efficiency, rugged design, and data capacity in a compact footprint, unlocking smarter, more responsive systems in the worlds most remote places. As the first partner to bring a certified Iridium Certus 9704 product to market, were proud to lead the next chapter of global IoT.' Tim Last, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Iridium, added: 'The Iridium Certus 9704 packs a lot of power in a compact module, making it ideal for IoT applications that require real-time data analysis, analytics and automated decision-making. Ground Control has been a trusted Iridium partner for many years, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality developer hardware built on Iridium technology. Were excited to see them leading the way with innovative solutions that bring high-performance satellite IoT connectivity to the most remote parts of the world.' RockBLOCK Pro is now open for early access inquiries, with the initial production run in May, and full production from July 2025.
