Key Details
TRAI’s Recommendations on the Framework for Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation, and Assignment of Spectrum to Satellite Communication Network Providers propose a wholesale option: an authorised company could operate a satellite network and supply it to an eligible provider that serves customers.
Proposal | What TRAI Recommends |
|---|---|
Network authorisation | A nationwide authorisation lasting up to 20 years, renewable for up to another 20 years. A provider could supply eligible service providers but could not sell telecom services directly to users under this authorisation. |
Satellite-to-phone services | Permit direct-to-device connections using either mobile-satellite spectrum or spectrum assigned to mobile operators, subject to different conditions. |
Satellite spectrum | Assign eligible satellite spectrum administratively for up to five years, with a possible extension of up to two years. |
Charges | An authorisation fee of 8% of adjusted gross revenue, alongside spectrum charges under the proposed framework. |
A New Authorisation Would Separate Network Supply from Customer Service
TRAI had earlier recommended a separate authorisation for satellite-based telecom services, which the government did not accept. DoT subsequently sought a framework for authorising satellite network providers, so eligible telecom operators could obtain satellite capacity through commercial agreements rather than each establishing a parallel network.
The proposed Satellite Communication Network (SCN) Provider Authorisation would let a company operate satellite gateways and related infrastructure and supply network capacity to eligible service providers. Those providers would deliver services to customers. TRAI also proposes allowing eligible existing licensees to supply satellite-network capacity under the applicable conditions.
This model is intended to help operators supplement ground-based networks, particularly in remote or difficult-to-reach places. The networks could support fixed and mobile satellite services as well as direct-to-device connections.
Satellite-to-Phone Service Has Two Proposed Routes
One route would use spectrum designated for mobile satellite services. TRAI recommends allowing mobile operators to partner with satellite-network providers for this service and encouraging manufacturers to equip future phones for the relevant spectrum bands.
The other would use a mobile operator’s assigned terrestrial spectrum for a satellite link to phones. TRAI recommends permitting this route without waiting for a 2027 international spectrum conference, on a non-interference, non-protection basis. Participating operators would also need the relevant frequency channel available across all 22 telecom service areas.
Neither route guarantees that existing handsets will support the service or that it will be available nationwide.
Spectrum and Security Conditions Would Shape Delivery
TRAI proposes administrative assignment of satellite spectrum and a charging approach intended to treat shared-network and integrated-service models comparably. It recommends no additional spectrum charge on a partnering mobile operator merely for using its assigned spectrum for satellite-to-phone service.
Direct-to-device traffic originating or ending in India would have to pass through satellite gateways in India and meet lawful-interception and traffic-monitoring requirements. Providers assigned satellite spectrum would have to demonstrate operational links within specified timelines.
Policy Relevance
For people outside reliable tower coverage, the potential gain is another route to mobile connectivity. Shared satellite infrastructure could make it easier for telecom operators to offer that coverage other authorised services, including in-flight connectivity;, while the proposed spectrum and security conditions define how they would do so.
The benefit remains conditional. DoT must decide whether and how to adopt TRAI’s recommendations; providers would then need spectrum, operational networks, compatible devices and viable service arrangements. Those decisions will determine where satellite-backed coverage reaches users, what it can do and whether they can afford it.
Follow the Full Recommendations Here: TRAI’s Satellite Communication Network Provider Recommendations