The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has categorically ruled out any review of its recommendations on satellite communication (satcom) spectrum pricing, dismissing objections raised by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). Sources within TRAI told PTI that the regulator has already submitted its recommendations to the government "after following the due consultation process exhaustively and transparently."
Also Read: Telcos Oppose TRAI’s Satcom Spectrum Plan, Cite Unfair Advantage to Global Players
TRAI Rules Out Review
There is no question of review of the recommendations at this stage based on reactions of the COAI, the report cited TRAI sources as saying. They added that all stakeholders were given adequate opportunity to present their views during the consultation process.
COAI, whose members include major telecom operators such as Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, has raised concerns with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), claiming that TRAI's proposals are based on incorrect assumptions. In a letter dated May 29, the industry body claimed that the implementation of the recommendations would adversely impact the sustainability of terrestrial services, which underpin the country's digital infrastructure.
COAI Flags Competitive Disparity
The association has urged the DoT to constitute a committee to undertake a comprehensive review of TRAI's proposals. COAI argues that the recommendations provide a regulatory advantage to non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite operators, thereby creating an uneven playing field for terrestrial broadband providers.
Also Read: TRAI Proposes Administrative Allocation of Satcom Spectrum With Five-Year Licensing Framework
COAI further stated that the proposed spectrum charge of 4 percent of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) for satellite operators lacks adequate justification. TRAI's recommendations include this AGR-based charge, along with an additional levy of Rs 500 per subscriber annually for satellite broadband services in urban areas. No such charge is proposed for rural users.
Next-Gen Satellite Systems
According to COAI, the arrival of next-generation NGSO satellite systems — such as those operating in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) — means that satellite-based services can now directly compete with terrestrial fixed and mobile broadband networks. The association believes that TRAI's proposals if accepted by DoT in their current form, would distort the competitive landscape and undermine investment in terrestrial infrastructure.
Also Read: ISpA Welcomes TRAI’s Satellite Spectrum Pricing Recommendations
Despite these objections, TRAI remains firm in its stance, signaling its commitment to advancing satellite communications, particularly as a solution for underserved regions.
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