The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has sought recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on norms for allocating satellite spectrum, as informed in Parliament on Wednesday. The government plans to allocate satellite communication spectrum through an administrative process, unlike telecom operators, who must acquire spectrum via auctions.
Minister of State for Communications, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, stated in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that administratively assigned spectrum is chargeable and contributes to government revenue.
“DoT has requested TRAI’s recommendations on the terms and conditions for spectrum allocation, including pricing, for licensees providing satellite-based communication services. This includes ensuring a level playing field with terrestrial access services,” Sekhar said.
TRAI is in the process of finalizing its recommendations for satellite spectrum allocation. However, telecom operators have raised concerns, arguing that TRAI’s consultation paper does not adequately address the need to ensure a level playing field between satellite communication services and terrestrial services.
