Jio Unhappy with TRAI’s Satcom Paper, Demands a Level Playing Field: Report

DoT had told TRAI that it is important to examine whether a level playing field exists or not. Jio doesn't want the satellite companies to get spectrum administratively as it would be unfair for the telcos.

Highlights

  • Reliance Jio has written to TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) to revise its consultation paper on satellite spectrum pricing.
  • Jio believes that the paper doesn't promote a level playing field between terrestrial and satellite network service providers.
  • In addition to this, the regulator's decision to support the administrative allocation of airwaves has been questioned by the telecom operator.

Follow Us

jio unhappy with trais satcom paper demands

Reliance Jio, India's second-largest telecom operator, has written to TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) to revise its consultation paper on satellite spectrum pricing. Jio believes that the paper doesn't promote a level playing field between terrestrial and satellite network service providers. In addition to this, the regulator's decision to support the administrative allocation of airwaves has been questioned by the telecom operator. The private telcos have opposed the notion of administrative allocation of spectrum for satellite players. They believe that spectrum should only be given to the companies via an auction route if they plan to use it for commercial purposes.




Read More - Reliance Jio’s Lowest Cost Prepaid Plan to Keep SIM Active

However, the satcom companies have long argued that an auction route doesn't fit well for their business plans in the country and is also not a global practice for the satcom sector. According to ET, Jio wrote to TRAI that this consultation paper and its consequent recommendations are vulnerable to legal challenges, particularly since it fails to address the issue outlined in DoT's reference, such as ensuring a level playing field.

DoT had told TRAI that it is important to examine whether a level playing field exists or not. Jio doesn't want the satellite companies to get spectrum administratively as it would be unfair for the telcos. Telcos have to compete for the limited spectrum with the other companies and sometimes pay elevated prices due to bidding. However, here the satcom companies, also engaged in communication services would get access to the spectrum at administrative prices, which could be significantly lower than what the telcos have to pay for it.

Read More - Reliance Jio Offering 2 Days of Complimentary Services to Mumbai Users

The satcom sector in India hasn't yet started because the policies are still not clear about what's supposed to happen.

Reported By

Tanuja is a passionate technology and telecom buff who has been following the telecom industry for several years now.

Recent Comments

SCKPA :

At my place BSNL started 4g 5 days ago and for last 3 days 4G totally vanished. 3g is not…

BSNL Deploys 1111 BTS in Bihar Under 4G Saturation Project

rahul_yadav :

I think they are only adding New Site which come under Bsnl saturation project mostly villages. In Cites they are…

BSNL Deploys 1111 BTS in Bihar Under 4G Saturation Project

Faraz :

You are really smart who bought advance vouchers. I have bought till next year this time. But last time didn't…

BSNL Deploys 1111 BTS in Bihar Under 4G Saturation Project

Faraz :

They won't launch IPO before 500+ million customers are 200+ rupees ARPU. But this will be achieved by year end…

Reliance Jio Set to Launch IPO in 2025, Potentially India's…

Load More
Subscribe
Notify of
35 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments