The updated 100-day agenda of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will focus on establishing key departmental rules to implement the landmark Telecom Act, 2023, officials announced. Many aspects of the Act cannot be enforced until these rules are notified. The rules in question pertain to spectrum allotment, including satellite communications, with the terms of reference (TOR) currently being drafted.
Following this, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will initiate fresh consultations on the subject. “The goal is to quickly frame the ToR so that Trai can start its consultations with industry stakeholders. Significant progress has already been made. The ToR will clarify the allocation methodology, the frequencies to be used, spectrum pricing, and the terms and conditions for satellite operators concerning national security,” a senior official explained.
Satellite or orbit spectrum, used when satellites are placed into orbit, has been a contentious issue regarding whether it should be auctioned or government-allocated. The Telecommunications Act, 2023, has resolved this debate by including satellite-based services among the 19 sectors where the Centre can administratively allocate spectrum. This decision has unified the telecom industry, naming teleports, television channels, D2H, Digital Satellite News Gathering, Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), and mobile satellite services in L and S bands, among others, for non-auction spectrum allocation.
Administrative spectrum allocation allows multiple operators to use a specific band, unlike auctions. This is because satellite bands can only be serviced by a satellite directly above a particular location on Earth. As the satellite moves, another satellite from a different operator can pick up the band.
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Additionally, efforts are underway to finalize rules regarding the interception of calls and messages for national security, prevention of incitement of offenses, or public order. These rules will follow defined procedures, and inter-ministerial consultations with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) are ongoing, officials noted.
