TRAI Set to Finalise Satcom Spectrum Rules by December 15: Report

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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Also Read: India to Allocate Satellite Broadband Spectrum, TRAI to Set Pricing: Report

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.

Also Read: Jio Demonstrates Satellite-Based Gigabit Fiber Service, JioSpaceFiber at IMC2023

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.