The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has approved the provisional allocation of satellite spectrum for six months to eligible players, enabling them to provide broadband services. However, Reliance Jio, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has raised concerns over the process of satellite spectrum distribution, urging the government to intervene. Reliance Jio has criticized the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for allegedly overlooking critical aspects of the spectrum allocation method.
A report from Reuters revealed that Reliance Jio privately challenged TRAI’s decision to administratively allocate satellite broadband spectrum instead of auctioning it, intensifying competition with Elon Musk’s Starlink. Jio argues that auctioning the spectrum would be a more transparent and fair approach, in contrast to administrative allocation, which is backed by Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
The dispute centers around an interpretation of Indian law that some argue facilitated the administrative allocation of spectrum last year, aligning with Musk’s preference. Reliance, however, contends that no current regulations address the provision of satellite broadband services to individual users. In a private letter dated October 10, Reliance requested that the consultation process be restarted, accusing TRAI of preemptively deciding on administrative allocation.
Despite the friction, a senior TRAI official emphasized that the regulatory process is ongoing, and Reliance is encouraged to provide input during the public consultation period. The final recommendations will shape the government’s decision on satellite spectrum allocation, a critical issue in India’s rapidly expanding satellite broadband market, expected to reach $1.9 billion by 2030.
In a separate development, the DoT has provisionally approved satellite spectrum allocation to Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s satellite subsidiary, Orbit Connect India, allowing them to test their services for six months. Meanwhile, Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper remain ineligible due to pending regulatory approvals.
Key Highlights:
- Reliance Jio has called for a fresh consultation process on satellite spectrum allocation, challenging TRAI’s decision to favor administrative allocation.
- India’s satellite broadband market is projected to grow to $1.9 billion by 2030, making spectrum allocation a key issue in the sector.
- The Department of Telecommunications has granted provisional satellite spectrum allocation to OneWeb and Jio’s satellite arm, while Starlink and Kuiper await regulatory clearance.