The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is expected to finalise its recommendations on spectrum allocation for satellite communications by December 15. The government will review TRAI's recommendations before making a decision on satellite spectrum allocation, a move that could open the door for satellite-based broadband services across India, according to a PTI report.
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Trai's Satellite Spectrum Recommendations
"TRAI is working to submit a recommendation on satcom spectrum assignment by December 15. There were several points raised during the open house discussion, some of which were beyond the consultation paper. Those points also need to be looked upon," the report said, citing an official source.
Last week, TRAI held an open house discussion on the terms and conditions for assigning spectrum for specific satellite-based commercial communication services.
Call for Auction-Based Spectrum Allocation
The spectrum allocation debate has brought contrasting positions to light. Major telecom operators like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel argue that spectrum for nationwide mobility should be auctioned, ensuring a level-playing field.
Jio, which has made a case for the auction of satellite spectrum, on Friday said it is "not afraid of competition" but that 'same services same rules' must apply.
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Reliance Jio has reportedly sought a legal opinion from a retired Supreme Court judge, indicating that TRAI's consultation paper on spectrum allocation for satellite communications appears to have overlooked the issue of ensuring a level playing field with terrestrial telecom networks.
Call for Administrative Allocation
On the other side, satellite companies such as Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper advocate for an administrative allocation approach. Starlink's Director, Parnil Urdhwareshe, emphasised that Indian consumers want satellite broadband services and that these "intelligent consumers" have the right to choose an operator who will provide them with an affordable, high-quality service.
Starlink prices for any country are readily available on its website, and that it is proud of making satellite broadband affordable for users who have so far been unserved, Parnil pointed out.
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The recent open house discussion, which saw extended deliberations, highlighted these contrasting positions as Trai prepares to finalise its satcom spectrum recommendations.
