Trai Accelerates Satellite Spectrum Pricing Amid OTT Regulation Discussions

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is prioritizing the pricing of satellite spectrum before addressing regulations for over-the-top (OTT) apps such as WhatsApp and Google Meet. Trai has simplified the framework for telecommunications service authorizations, emphasizing 'One Nation - One Authorisation.' A consultation paper will be released soon.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will expedite the process for satellite spectrum pricing before addressing the regulation of over-the-top (OTT) applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Google Meet, Trai Chairman RC Lahoti announced on Wednesday. A consultation paper on satellite spectrum pricing is expected to be issued in the coming days.

'OTT was not part of this paper (Service Authorization Framework under Telecommunications Act 2023). It is being discussed separately. Right now, we have to take up spectrum pricing on a priority basis,' Lahoti stated.

Telecom operators have raised concerns over Trai's recent recommendations for a new regime that allows telecom service provisioning through a single authorization instead of the traditional licensing model. The new framework simplifies the rules for service provisioning and reduces costs. Trai Principal Advisor SB Singh emphasized that the new regime requires only one authorization per service, with compliance limited to the service provided.

(With inputs from agencies.)