The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed a separate authorisation for satellite network providers, according to sources cited by NDTV Profit. The proposal could change how companies such as Starlink, Jio Satcom and Eutelsat OneWeb operate in India and work with telecom operators.
Under the proposed framework, satellite companies would be allowed to operate as network infrastructure providers and lease or share their capacity with licensed telecom operators. However, they would not be able to offer telecom services directly to consumers under this authorisation.
-
Indian Markets Turning Corner After Two Tough Years, Says Sandeep Tandon -
NDTV Profit Ignite 2026: Experts See Opportunity In Equities, Stay Bullish For Long-Term -
Buy Right, Sit Tight Does Not Work for Individual Stocks, Says Dinshaw Irani -
'Worst Is Behind': Quant MF Sees Market Bottom, Flags 'Extreme Euphoria' In Midcaps -
India's Mutual Fund Industry Could Become A $1 Trillion Opportunity, Say Fund Managers -
'Foreign Investors Are Baraatis': Raamdeo Agrawal's Take On LTCG Tax -
Stay Invested Through Market Cycles: Raamdeo Agrawal at NDTV Profit Ignite -
Ramesh Damani Remains Bullish On India For Next 20-30 Years, Sees Bargains Amid Market Weakness -
CAS Came After A Long Consultation Process: SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey AT NDTV PROFIT IGNITE -
Aim To Cut FPI Onboarding Time From Mth To Five Days: SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey AT NDTV PROFI
This would allow satellite companies to earn revenue by providing network capacity without having to deal with retail customers themselves. Telecom operators, meanwhile, could use these satellite networks to expand their services, including direct-to-device connectivity, which allows compatible mobile phones to connect directly to satellites.
Also Read | TRAI Tightens Telecom Complaint Rules, Introduces Consumer Feedback Surveys And Financial Penalties
Starlink, Jio Satcom and Eutelsat OneWeb could potentially operate under the proposed authorisation. However, all three already hold Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) authorisations, which allow them to provide satellite-based services in India. The proposed network-provider approval would be separate from these existing permissions.
This distinction is important. The new framework does not replace the existing route through which licensed satellite service providers can serve customers. Instead, it introduces an infrastructure-sharing model that could support partnerships between satellite operators and conventional telecom companies.
Also Read | No Data Sharing, No Spam Tagging: What TRAI's New Rule For Truecaller, Other Apps Entails
TRAI has proposed an authorisation fee equivalent to 8% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) for satellite network providers. It has also suggested assigning spectrum for five years, with an option to extend the period by another two years.
The proposal is not yet the final regulatory framework. Its implementation will depend on the government's decision, including whether it accepts TRAI's recommendations. Until then, satellite operators and telecom companies will continue to operate under the permissions currently in force.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.