To auction spectrum for space-based communications or not: Trai, DoT differ

Differences have emerged between the department of telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) over the contentious issue of the allocation of spectrum for space-based communications.

DoT is sticking to its stand that spectrum for space-based communications should be auctioned and has requested the regulator to work out the modalities.

However, TRAI, which released a consultation paper titled “Assignment of Spectrum for Space Based Communications” a few days ago, has asked stakeholders to respond to questions on whether the spectrum bands for space-based communications should be auctioned or offered in an administered way or whether there can be any other alternatives, thus leaving the issue wide open.