TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti said satellite operators also need to build gateways and other infrastructure before services such as satellite broadband can launch in India.

The rollout of satellite communication services in India will depend on the government's decision on spectrum and satellite operators establishing the infrastructure needed to provide services, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti said in an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18. Lahoti said TRAI has already made its recommendations on the authorisation framework and spectrum assignment for fixed and mobile satellite services. The government has since notified the rules for authorisation under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, while the spectrum recommendations remain under consideration. "The government has already notified the rules for authorization under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, so the rules are already in place. As far as spectrum is concerned, our recommendations are under the active consideration of the government," Lahoti said.

He was responding to questions about the delay in the rollout of satellite communication services, nearly 17 months after TRAI submitted its recommendations. Spectrum decision remains pending Lahoti said the regulatory process involves two separate elements — authorisation and spectrum. TRAI has completed its role on the authorisation framework, while the government has notified the relevant rules. The regulator has also submitted recommendations on spectrum assignment for fixed satellite services and mobile satellite services. The next step on spectrum will depend on the government's consideration of those recommendations.

Operators need to build infrastructure Lahoti said regulatory approvals are not the only requirement for satellite communication services to begin.

Source link