The wait for satellite broadband service will soon be over. At the beginning of next year, crores of mobile users in the country will start getting satellite based internet service. The Department of Telecommunications and Telecom Regulator (TRAI) is continuously planning for satellite internet service. According to a new report, relief may be given to service providers in allocating satellite licences. Department of Telecom may change the rules for this.
Relaxation in compliance
Airtel, Jio, Amazon as well as Elon Musk’s Starlink could benefit from the change in spectrum allocation rules. Due to the change in the rules, there is likely to be some relaxation in compliance. Under the new rule, remote management of the service may also be allowed. Also, relaxation may be given in setting up of fixed satellite terminals. The Department of Telecommunications discussed these issues and shared them with all the four players.
Must input and share
Airtel’s OneWeb, Jio’s SES, Amazon’s Quiper and Elon Musk’s Starlink are in the race to launch satellite internet services in India. These companies have been asked to share their inputs within a week. However, Amazon has asked for time till January. At the same time, Starling is very positive about the rule change and has said that he will share inputs soon. Also, other companies have also sought time from the government for this. Apart from Airtel, the government has not yet responded from any other company.
Decision on satellite internet soon
Currently, the Department of Telecommunication may soon take a decision on spectrum allocation for satellite internet service. The government has given this information in the Lok Sabha during the winter session. Telecom regulator (TRAI) may finalize spectrum allocation terms by December 15. The telecom regulator held a meeting with service providers and other stakeholders last month on November 8.
The government may accelerate its allocation to launch satellite services in the new year. According to reports, despite pressure from Jio and Airtel, the government is going to do the spectrum allocation administratively. These companies demanded allocation of spectrum through auction process like terrestrial spectrum.
Also Read – Offers rain on Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G with 200MP camera, price drops in one fell swoop