India, Nov. 5 -- The Government of India has issued a release:

Type of Service

Type of Satellites

Frequency band for user link

Frequency band for feeder link

FSS

GSO

C band, Ku band, Ka band and Q/V band

NGSO

Ku band, Ka band, and Q/V band

MSS

GSO

L band and S band

C band, Ku band, Ka band and Q/V band

NGSO

Entry Fee (in Rs.)

Initial Guarantee (in Rs.)

Minimum Equity

Minimum Net worth (in Rs.)

Application Processing Fee (in Rs.)

37,50,000

45,00,000

60,00,000

60,00,000

Other Financial Conditions for SCN Provider Authorisation

(in Rs.)

10,000

SCN

Provider Authorisation

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released its recommendations on 'the Framework for Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation, and Assignment of Spectrum to Satellite Communication Network Providers'.

Earlier, DoT conveyed to TRAI on 03.07.2025 that "the Government proposes the introduction of a Satellite Communication Network (SCN) Authorisation under Section 3(1)(b) of the Telecommunications Act 2023" and requested TRAI to "provide terms and conditions for Satellite Communication Network (SCN) authorisation including provision of assignment of spectrum for both feeder link as well as user link under such authorisation".

In this regard, TRAI issued a consultation paper on 'the Framework for Satellite Communication Network Authorisation, and Assignment of Spectrum to Satellite Communication Network Providers' on 08.04.2026. In response, comments from 31 stakeholders and counter-comments from 12 stakeholders were received and uploaded on the TRAI website. An Open House Discussion (OHD) on the consultation paper was held on 02.07.2026 through virtual mode.

After considering the comments and counter-comments received from stakeholders in the consultation process, and further analysis, TRAI has finalized its recommendations on 'the Framework for Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation, and Assignment of Spectrum to Satellite Communication Network Providers'.

Key highlights of the TRAI's recommendations:

(a) Unified service authorisation, access service authorisation, internet service authorisation and long distance service authorisation under the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Principal Telecom Services) Rules, 2026;

(b) Access Service authorization, Internet Service authorization, NLD Service authorization, Commercial VSAT CUG Service authorization and GMPCS Service authorization under Unified License; and

(c) License for Provision and Operation of Satellite Based Services Using Gateway Installed in India Under 'Sui-Generis' Category:

Provided that such entity fulfils the eligibility criteria for obtaining SCN provider authorisation and undertakes to abide by the technical and operating conditions, roll out obligations, and security conditions applicable to SCN provider authorisation.

for the limited purpose of providing satellite communication network as a service (SCNaaS) to the partnering entity, while the right to use of spectrum should remain with the partnering entity.

Provided that the provision of IMT-based D2D service is permitted only if one or more entities authorised to provide access service - together holding the assignment of the relevant IMT frequency channel across all 22 licensed service areas of the country - agree to allow the usage of their IMT frequency channel by the SCN provider authorised entity for the purpose of providing SCNaaS to only such entity (ies).

These recommendations of TRAI envision the development of a robust and competitive satellite communication ecosystem in India. The recommended framework for SCN provider authorisation would enable efficient utilisation of satellite network infrastructure and spectrum through SCNaaS and facilitate innovative satellite-based services, including D2D connectivity using MSS as well as IMT spectrum. This would provide greater flexibility to service providers in accessing satellite network resources and support the expansion of satellite-based connectivity across the country.

The recommendations have been placed on the TRAI's website (www.trai.gov.in). For any clarification/ information Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum and Licensing), TRAI may be contacted at Telephone Number +91-11-20907758.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.