Reports this week indicate that the Indian government is expected to postpone spectrum allocations for satellite broadband providers by four to six months, awaiting clarity following the ongoing general elections. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is reportedly holding off on final decisions until after the election results are announced on June 4.
India’s massive general election, involving approximately 970 million eligible voters over 44 days, has created a climate of uncertainty. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi is favored for a third term, potential changes in leadership have left the DoT hesitant to proceed with its spectrum strategy.
Sources suggest that the DoT may request the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to reopen consultations to ensure a robust and future-proofed allocation methodology.
Satellite broadband services are a new frontier in India. Initial consultations on satellite spectrum allocation began in 2022 under TRAI. However, legislative changes, notably the Telecommunications Bill, rendered these consultations obsolete by directly allocating spectrum to satellite operators, bypassing auctions.
Despite streamlining the regulatory process, the specifics of spectrum allocation remained unclear. The DoT was close to finalizing terms of reference, including frequency identification, pricing, and security conditions, before the election delay was introduced.
This development poses a setback for satellite operators like SpaceX (Starlink) and OneWeb, supported by Bharti Airtel, eager to establish services in India. Notably, only OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications have secured Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licenses, essential for commercial operations pending spectrum allocation.
In contrast, SpaceX has faced prolonged regulatory challenges, though recent in-principle approval suggests progress toward a GMPCS license. Amazon’s Project Kuiper, another satellite broadband initiative, has yet to finalize its GMPCS application.
The delay underscores the intricate regulatory landscape facing satellite operators in India, where navigating licensing requirements alongside spectrum allocation remains pivotal for market entry and service deployment.
