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Trai paves way for spectrum assignment to satcom companies

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed a satellite communication network authorisation under the Telecom Act, 2023, offering 20-year terms with renewal options. Licensees can provide capacity through network-as-a-service models while supporting fixed, mobile, and direct-to-device satellite operations. The guidelines permit operators to obtain spectrum directly from the government, utilize a partner's assigned frequencies, or combine both approaches. Meanwhile, market hopefuls Eutelsat OneWeb, Reliance Jio, and Starlink await final security vetting before airwaves are formally assigned.

Key points

  • Authorised satellite operators will function as network-as-a-service wholesalers to telec…: Authorised satellite operators will function as network-as-a-service wholesalers to telecom companies rather than selling directly to retail consumers.
  • The regulatory recommendations enable the next phase of spectrum assignment for players a…: The regulatory recommendations enable the next phase of spectrum assignment for players awaiting entry into India's satellite communications market.
  • Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio are anticipated to secure approvals before Elon Musk's S…: Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio are anticipated to secure approvals before Elon Musk's Starlink due to security considerations.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

NEW DELHI: India has got a step closer to having satcom, with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) recommending the introduction of new authorisation - "satellite communication network (SCN)" under the Telecom Act, 2023, and assignment of spectrum to SCN authorised entities, which will supply capacity to telcos and not directly serve consumers.

Proposed to be authorised for a maximum duration of 20 years with a provision for renewal for up to 20 years, these entities will be able to provide this network as a service (SCNaaS) to eligible service providers.

Three entities - Sunil Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio and Elon Musk's Starlink - are waiting to start satcom in India. As each one of them individually gets security clearance, the path has been cleared for the next step of seeking assignment of spectrum with Trai recommendations.

People in the know say Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio are likely to get the nod before Musk due to security concerns and the tech trillionaire's recent outbursts on X aimed at Ambani.

Trai recommendations issued on Thursday said: "Fixed satellite…

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