According to A K Lahoti, chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the organisation will issue recommendations on rules for satellite spectrum allocation very soon. The government will evaluate these recommendations and decide on allocating spectrum to satellite communication companies, paving the way for satellite-based broadband services in India.
TRAI concluded an open-house discussion on the terms and conditions for the assigning spectrum for certain satellite-based commercial communication services in the second week of November.
In the open-house discussion, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel agreed on the need for a level playing field in India’s satcom spectrum norms. Jio argued for the auction of satellite spectrum and stated that ‘same services, same rules’ must apply. Meanwhile, Starlink Satellite Communications emphasised that Indian users want satellite broadband services and have the right to choose an operator offering affordable, high-quality services.
