TRAI Consultation on Satcom Spectrum and Pricing

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its consultation paper on the “Framework for Satellite Communication Network Authorisation and Assignment of Spectrum to Satellite Communication Network Providers” on April 8, 2026. The regulator has invited stakeholders to submit written comments by May 6, 2026, and counter-comments by May 20, 2026.

Satellite Communication Network as a service

• TRAI proposes a Satellite Communication Network (SCN) authorisation under Section 3(1)(b), wherein entities would build and operate satellite networks and provide SCN-as-a-Service (SCNaaS) to service providers rather than directly to end users.
• The consultation paper states that the service area should remain national and seeks stakeholder views on eligibility, validity, scope, and operating conditions.
• TRAI also asks whether Virtual Network Operators (VNOs) should be permitted to access SCNaaS and whether SCN entities must provide partner entities with control, visibility, resource allocation, and management capabilities., visibility, resource allocation, and management to partner entities.

Spectrum use

• TRAI identifies three types of spectrum: Fixed Satellite Service (FSS), Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). It seeks views on how these can be combined across SCN and service entities.
• The framework suggests multiple models in which SCN entities, service entities, or both, through mutual agreements, may hold spectrum, including the use of partner spectrum.
• The paper also proposes the administrative assignment of spectrum where usage falls within the First Schedule, including Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS), and MSS use cases.

Direct-to-Device (D2D) via satellite

• TRAI notes that Direct-to-Device (D2D) services using MSS spectrum require a dedicated regulatory framework due to device ecosystem requirements, such as handset and chipset support.
• The use of IMT spectrum for D2D raises interference and regulatory challenges. Accordingly, TRAI seeks stakeholder views on whether Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), or both bands should be used, and whether MSS should be included in the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) on a secondary basis.
• The regulator also asks whether D2D via IMT should be permitted only when a single operator holds spectrum across all 22 Licensed Service Areas (LSAs), or when multiple operators jointly cover all LSAs to prevent interference.

Gateway location, routing, and surveillance conditions

TRAI refers to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) draft rules for telecommunication networks and seeks views on whether the Chapter 7 conditions for satellite systems should, prima facie, apply to SCN authorisation, with necessary modifications.

These conditions include:

• Gateway earth stations and network control centres being…