The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has reportedly started meetings with stakeholders including telecom operators, satellite players and officials in the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to seek views on satellite spectrum and the allocation methodology for the airwaves.
TRAI’s upcoming meetings precede a comprehensive consultation due in the next two to three months that will discuss all spectrum allocation scenarios, including auction, administration, reservation of some quantum for satellite services or even mix-use and the pricing for different sets of allocation mechanisms. The regulator is also expected to meet officials in the Department of Space and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting before issuing the consultation paper.
According to officials, while DoT is pitching for auction of spectrum, the regulator needs to examine the issue in a more holistic way. Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel has stated several times that satellite broadband spectrum should be given administratively. However, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea Limited are opposing it.
