TRAI Floats Consultation Paper To Formulate Satcom Spectrum Pricing

TRAI Floats Consultation Paper To Formulate Satcom Spectrum Pricing

SUMMARY

The regulator has asked stakeholders to submit feedback on identifying a methodology for assigning the spectrum

Overall, TRAI has invited comments on 21 questions related to frequency bands, spectrum duration and provision for surrendering spectrum

This comes just a day after TRAI chief said that the regulator will prioritise satcom pricing rules before regulating messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has floated a consultation paper to formulate the pricing of satellite communication (satcom) spectrum. 

The regulator has asked the stakeholders to submit feedback on identifying a methodology for assigning the spectrum.

“Whether there are any other suggestions related to assignment of spectrum for… GSO/ NGSO (Non-Geostationary Orbit))-based mobile satellite services for providing voice, text, data, and Internet services?” read the paper. 

Overall, it has invited comments on 21 questions related to satcom spectrum assignment, including frequency bands, the duration for which the satcom spectrum should be assigned and provision for surrendering spectrum. 

TRAI has invited comments from all relevant stakeholders on the matter till October 18. Thereafter, it will seek counter comments by October 25.

The move will pave the way for the likes of Bharti Group-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications, Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, Amazon Kuiper to offer satcom services in the country. 

This is more or less in line with Centre’s plans to allocate satcom spectrum through an administrative process and without any auction process. With the new paper, TRAI could be looking at formalising a policy framework to figure out alternate ways to assign radio waves to the satcom players. 

Earlier, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) sought recommendation from the regulator on the terms and conditions for the assignment of spectrum for certain satellite-based commercial communication services.

The latest development comes just a day after TRAI chief Anil Kumar Lahoti said that the regulator will prioritise pricing for (satcom) spectrum before formulating norms for regulating messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

The development is expected to push the needle on deploying satcom services in the country. So far, the likes of global giants Starlink and Project Kuiper have sought authorisation from the government to offer satellite communication services in the country. 

Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance-owned Orbit Connect India have received some form of authorisation from nodal body IN-SPACe.

Note: We at Inc42 take our ethics very seriously. More information about it can be found here.

You have reached your limit of free stories
Become An Inc42 Plus Member

Become a Startup Insider in 2024 with Inc42 Plus. Join our exclusive community of 10,000+ founders, investors & operators and stay ahead in India’s startup & business economy.

2 YEAR PLAN
₹19999
₹7999
₹333/Month
Unlock 60% OFF
Cancel Anytime
1 YEAR PLAN
₹9999
₹4999
₹416/Month
Unlock 50% OFF
Cancel Anytime
Already A Member?
Discover Startups & Business Models

Unleash your potential by exploring unlimited articles, trackers, and playbooks. Identify the hottest startup deals, supercharge your innovation projects, and stay updated with expert curation.

TRAI Floats Consultation Paper To Formulate Satcom Spectrum Pricing-Inc42 Media
How-To’s on Starting & Scaling Up

Empower yourself with comprehensive playbooks, expert analysis, and invaluable insights. Learn to validate ideas, acquire customers, secure funding, and navigate the journey to startup success.

TRAI Floats Consultation Paper To Formulate Satcom Spectrum Pricing-Inc42 Media
Identify Trends & New Markets

Access 75+ in-depth reports on frontier industries. Gain exclusive market intelligence, understand market landscapes, and decode emerging trends to make informed decisions.

TRAI Floats Consultation Paper To Formulate Satcom Spectrum Pricing-Inc42 Media
Track & Decode the Investment Landscape

Stay ahead with startup and funding trackers. Analyse investment strategies, profile successful investors, and keep track of upcoming funds, accelerators, and more.

TRAI Floats Consultation Paper To Formulate Satcom Spectrum Pricing-Inc42 Media
TRAI Floats Consultation Paper To Formulate Satcom Spectrum Pricing-Inc42 Media
You’re in Good company