The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will issue its recommendations on satellite spectrum allotment methodology and other pending matters after the appointment of a regular chairperson.
The position of TRAI chairperson has been vacant since October 1, 2023 after the tenure of Dr P.D. Vaghela ended in September 2023. Meanwhile, Meenakshi Gupta, TRAI member, is handling the additional charge of chairperson of the regulatory body. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had invited applications for the post in June 2023 and the and the last date for the same was in August 2023.
The DoT has granted internet service provider (ISP) and global mobile personal communication by satellite (GMPCS) licences to Bharti group-backed OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications. Furthermore, satellite companies are ready to provide direct satellite services to terminals or on mobile devices of end customers in India but they require spectrum for transmitting signals.
Apart from satellite communication spectrum issue, TRAI is working on several key subjects including framework for allocation of spectrum in E and V bands where telecom players and internet companies have been at loggerheads over methods to allocate spectrum.
