New Delhi, Nov 5: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Thursday, November 5, released recommendations for a separate authorisation for satellite communication providers, proposing a new framework under which authorised companies can build satellite networks and supply their capacity to telecom service providers. The recommendations, titled the Framework for Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation and Assignment of Spectrum to Satellite Communication Network Providers, would sit under Section 3(1)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, The Hindu BusinessLine reported.

Source: The Hindu BusinessLine

Under the proposal, a Satellite Communication Network (SCN) Provider Authorisation would be valid for up to 20 years and renewable for up to another 20 years. Authorised entities would offer Satellite Communication Network as a Service (SCNaaS) to eligible service providers, but would not sell telecom services directly to end-users under this authorisation. The permitted services cover Fixed Satellite Services (FSS), Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) and direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity.

20 yearsProposed validity of the new satcom network authorisation
8% of AGRProposed authorisation fee
₹3,500/MHzMinimum annual spectrum charge for assigned FSS/MSS spectrum
5+2 yearsSpectrum assignment term, extendable by two years

On money and spectrum, TRAI has proposed an authorisation fee of 8 per cent of adjusted gross revenue (AGR), with no minimum authorisation fee, and a minimum annual spectrum charge of ₹3,500 per MHz where spectrum is assigned by the government. Spectrum would be assigned administratively, not by auction, for up to five years, extendable by two years. D2D services would be allowed through both MSS spectrum and the IMT spectrum used by mobile networks, including the 600, 700, 800, 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz bands, Dainik Jagran reported.

Source: Dainik Jagran

The framework could cover global and Indian satcom players such as Starlink, Jio's satellite venture and Eutelsat OneWeb, which BusinessLine named among the companies that could operate under the new model. D2D traffic originating or ending in India would have to pass through satellite gateways located in India and meet lawful-interception and traffic-monitoring requirements.

Recommendations, not yet rules

TRAI's proposals now go to the Department of Telecommunications, which will decide whether and how to adopt them. Services would still need spectrum assignments, working networks and compatible devices before satellite-to-phone connectivity reaches users.