The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will finalise the terms of reference (ToR) for the administrative allocation of spectrum for satellite broadband communications in a few weeks.
According to the sources, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will begin new consultations after the DoT provides the updated ToR. Apart from the methodology of allocation, the ToR will clarify the frequencies that will be used, the pricing of spectrum and the terms and conditions to be met by satellite operators with regards to national security.
The sources added that the government has communicated to stakeholders that a level playing field will be maintained while considering administrative allocation.
Unlike in auctions, an administrative allocation of spectrum will allow multiple operators to use a particular band of spectrum. This happens since the linear nature of satellite bands at particular locations on earth can be serviced by a satellite in orbit only when it is directly positioned above it. As it moves past the point, another satellite belonging to a different operator may pick up the band. As a result of these technical challenges, there are no global precedents for auctions for satellite spectrum globally.
