Satellite Spectrum Debate Heats Up: TRAI Faces Telecom Queries

The Telecom Department seeks clarification from TRAI on recommendations related to satellite spectrum, focusing on urban fees and spectrum charges. Companies like Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb eye India's satellite internet market. New recommendations include spectrum charges, rural exemptions, and stringent security rules for satcom services.

The Telecom Department has requested further insight from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) regarding satellite spectrum recommendations, particularly about urban customer charges and annual spectrum fees. Key industry players such as Elon Musk's Starlink and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb are closely monitoring developments.

The Digital Communications Commission, the top decision-making body in telecom, met recently to examine TRAI's satellite communication spectrum guidelines. Clarifications may focus on TRAI's proposed Rs 500 annual urban area fee and the Rs 3,500 per MHz spectrum charges for Satellite Services, areas that could pose challenges due to billing and rural-urban demarcation complexities.

Despite TRAI's recommendation for a 4% fee on annual revenues from satellite services to urban residents, the Telecom Department questions the sufficiency of the minimum spectrum charge suggestion, advocating for higher fees to prevent spectrum underutilization. Meanwhile, international entities like Amazon's Kuiper await further regulatory approval to operate in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)