Satellite broadband: DoT seeks Trai recommendations on spectrum allocation

With firms like Bharti-backed OneWeb and Elon Musk’s SpaceX announcing plans to launch satellite broadband services in the country, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has sought recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) regarding the allocation of spectrum for space communications.
The DoT wants to know whether spectrum should be auctioned or given administratively for satellite communications.

According to sources, the allocation of spectrum for space communications is expected to be looked at along with recommendations for the upcoming spectrum auction. Trai has already sought details about all available spectrum and how much of the airwaves are being used by government entities and other players, like broadcasters, among others. After getting the information from the DoT, the regulator will start the consultation process for the upcoming auction.