India's Satellite Spectrum Allocation Enters Final Phase

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is on the verge of finalizing new regulations for the allocation of satellite spectrum under the Telecommunications Act. These rules, expected to be shared shortly for stakeholder feedback, will likely adopt a first-come-first-served approach.

Key Players Await Spectrum Clearance

Major satellite broadband providers like Eutelsat OneWeb and the Jio-SES joint venture have secured all necessary approvals and are now awaiting the final spectrum clearance to launch commercial services. Meanwhile, Starlink, under Elon Musk's SpaceX, has recently received a letter of intent for a satcom license and is set to obtain test spectrum to demonstrate compliance with India's security protocols.

New Authorization Regime on the Horizon

Transitioning from the previous administrative allocation, the satellite spectrum will now be governed by a new authorization regime. This shift follows the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) recommendations, proposing that satellite communication firms contribute 4% of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) for spectrum usage, assigned for a five-year term.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the first-come-first-serve policy is seen as viable due to the shared nature of satellite spectrum, concerns around interference minimization remain. With India's space economy projected to grow to $44 billion by 2033, the global share is expected to rise from 2% to 8%, marking a significant leap forward.