The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) has welcomed the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) release of the draft Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Main Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2025 (GSR-606-E), but raised concerns that several provisions diverge from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) recommendations issued on September 18, 2024, and clarified on February 28, 2025.
While commending the DoT for progressing toward a streamlined and future-oriented authorisation framework, IAFI emphasised that the final rules must remain aligned with TRAI’s expert-driven guidance. The foundation also lauded the communications minister’s statement reaffirming the principle of regulatory independence and confirming that the issue of satellite network licensing would be handled by TRAI.
Following consultations with industry members and experts, IAFI submitted detailed comments and suggestions to the DoT, urging that the final framework promote investment, innovation, and clarity across terrestrial, satellite, and next-generation connectivity ecosystems.
A major recommendation from IAFI is the creation of a dedicated regulatory authorisation for satellite-based telecom services, rather than grouping them under the existing access service authorisation designed primarily for terrestrial networks. The foundation said recognising satellite communications as an independent sector is crucial to advancing India’s space-based connectivity ambitions and supporting the goals of Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
IAFI also pointed out that the financial terms and licence fees proposed in the draft rules for satellite-based services are significantly higher than those suggested by TRAI. Such high charges, it warned, could discourage investment in this capital-intensive industry. It recommended aligning the fee structure with TRAI’s proposals to ensure a healthy investment climate and sustained technological progress.
Moreover, on the scope of services, IAFI suggested that the Internet Service Authorisation explicitly cover Layer-2 and Layer-3 virtual private networks, captive non-public networks, and machine-to-machine/ IoT satellite connectivity. It further called for a technology-neutral spectrum policy and clear regulatory definitions for the roles and coordination between network service operators and virtual network operators, especially concerning satellite, embedded SIM, and very small aperture terminal services.
For operational aspects, the foundation proposed flexibility in coverage mapping, stable spectrum allocation, and more efficient traffic routing including local breakout of satellite traffic and interconnection with foreign gateways to improve network performance, lower latency, and reduce end-user costs.
IAFI underscored the need for transparency, regulatory consistency, and continued stakeholder engagement. It urged the DoT and TRAI to maintain an open, consultative approach to ensure that the final framework supports investor confidence and long-term policy stability.
In addition to satellite-related inputs, IAFI also provided feedback on non-satellite provisions and recommended modifications to the proposed long-distance service authorisation. The foundation reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the DoT in refining the draft regulations and building a progressive, inclusive, and future-ready telecommunications framework aligned with India’s digital vision.
