Reliance Jio through its senior regulatory affairs official, Kapoor Singh Guliani, has requested the telecom minister to intervene and direct TRAI’s recently published consultation paper on satcom spectrum allocations to ensure a level-playing field. 

What Does the Paper Say? 

TRAI published a consultation paper on satcom allocations on 27 Sept, 2023. The paper aims to receive feedback from the stakeholders regarding the methodology for the allocation of spectrum. It poses 21 questions to deal with the issues such as spectrum allocation duration, surrendering and frequency bands. 

It emphasizes on distinct pricing for the C, Ku, and Ka bands keeping in mind various utilities of satellite bands either for ISP and broadcasting needs. It is open to receive suggestions and comments latest by October 18, with a window for counter comments until October 25. 

Bone of Contention

The Government of India, under the Telecommunications ACt, 2023, has decided to allocate spectrum through an administrative process without conducting auctions for a pre-chosen set of satellite services. TRAI has reciprocated the same thing in the consultation paper. 

Reliance jio has argued that such an administrative manuverism isn't backed by any sort of study conducted either by TRAI or DoT to understand the technological evolution, market demand and supply or the even economic feasibility of the regulation ascertaining for allocation and not auction. 

Concerns of Unfairness 

In light of previous judgements by the Supreme court of India & DoT’s recognition for a level playing field, Reliance Jio argues, TRAI must conduct an assessment study to understand the nitty-gritty of the industry and not get digressed by considerations like emerging technologies and global precedents. 

“By failing to ask pertinent questions on this issue, stakeholders are deprived of the opportunity to voice their opinions. Such a consultation exercise could result in recommendations disregarding this vital issue of level playing field,” Reliance Jio said. 

Blurring lines  

With advancements like Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbits (NGSO) and Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, Jio argues, have blurred the lines between sate;lite and terrestrial networks calling for a level-playing field for the telcos. While satellite networks will be complementary in unreachable places, it would compete directly with the  terrestrial networks in other areas. This would result in an unfair advantage for global firms  and disadvantage for infant telcos back at home. 

“We strongly advocate that spectrum assignment for both terrestrial and satellite-based access services follow the principle of 'Same Service, Same Rules'. Therefore, ensuring parity in regulatory levies, including spectrum charges, is essential to prevent regulatory arbitrage and to ensure a level-playing field,” Jio said.

Satcom Spectrum 

As per the recent reports, DoT has provisionally allocated satellite spectrums to Airtel-backed Eutelsat Oneweb and Reliance Jio-backed Orbit Connect India to test their satcom services. It has been given based on the qualification of having DoT license and an In-Space authorisation certificate, that only these two fulfill while companies like Starlink and Kuiper remain stranded for GMPCS and further DoT license and In-space authorisation.