DoT working on norms for satcom spectrum allocation
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is finalising modalities around administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, which is likely to include clauses such as the airwaves will only be given to offer services through a fixed terminal, officials aware of the details told ET.
«Terms and conditions in the licence will make it clear that spectrum taken administratively can't be used to serve retail mobile consumers,» an official said.
The DoT is expected to shortly write to Trai to provide the details on what terms and conditions should be incorporated in the licence.
«In case spectrum is administratively allocated to satcom players before finalisation of terms and conditions, the allocation would be „interim“, subject to final decision,» another official said.
The department believes that currently most of the satellite players offer fixed services through a satellite terminal as direct connectivity to mobile phones is not available.
But in the coming years, as technology evolves to allow satcom services to be offered directly to mobile handsets, akin to terrestrial services, the administratively allocated spectrum won't be allowed to be utilised.
The move by DoT comes in the wake of technology innovations in the field of satcom. Last month, Elon Musk-owned Starlink had announced sending six satellites, with direct to cell capability, to space. It would allow mobile phone connectivity anywhere on earth.
Telecom operators like Reliance Jio have been highlighting that going forward satcom services will compete
