Trai recommends reducing levies on satellite services, cutting out intermediaries to lower cost

Telecom regulator Trai on Thursday recommended to the government to reduce/remove various levies imposed on satellite operators as well as measures like avoiding intermediaries in the segment to make services affordable. The regulator, in its recommendations on licensing framework for satellite-based connectivity for low bit rate applications, has suggested allowing use of all types of satellites for low bit rate connectivity.

It also recommended use of foreign satellites for providing connectivity for a longer duration than the permissible 3-5 years at present.

Low bit rate services are required for machine-to-machine communications, sensors used for tracking cargo, vehicles, railway and traffic signals, soil content for farming, among others.