Telecom regulator TRAI’s recent consultation paper on satellite spectrum allocation has drawn criticism from Reliance Jio, which claims the paper ignores the need for a level playing field between satellite and terrestrial telecom services. A legal opinion from former Supreme Court judge L. Nageshwara Rao, sought by Reliance Jio, highlighted alleged shortcomings in TRAI’s approach, as reported by PTI.
Jio contends that TRAI’s consultation paper lacks transparency and fails to address key issues related to spectrum allocation between satellite communications and ground-based networks. According to Jio, this omission could create an unbalanced competitive environment, favoring satellite services over terrestrial telecom providers.
Justice Rao’s legal opinion criticized TRAI for bypassing transparency requirements under Section 11(4) of the TRAI Act, which mandates stakeholder engagement before recommendations are finalized. “The TRAI has ignored its transparency obligations by not inviting public comments on level-playing aspects between satellite and terrestrial services,” stated Rao.
In October, Jio had previously raised concerns about the consultation paper, urging TRAI to adopt a revised approach that considers spectrum pricing and advocates for auction-based allocation over administrative allotments.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which had specifically requested a comprehensive review, might need to revisit the consultation process. Justice Rao emphasized that Sections 4 and 5 of the Telecom Act allow the government to amend TRAI’s entry lists and consider wider stakeholder comments.
Key Highlights:
- Reliance Jio claims TRAI’s consultation paper ignores level playing field concerns between satellite and terrestrial telecom services.
- Former Supreme Court judge L. Nageshwara Rao criticized TRAI for bypassing stakeholder engagement, citing transparency obligations under Section 11(4) of the TRAI Act.
- Jio has called for a revised consultation paper that includes spectrum pricing and advocates auction-based allocation over administrative methods.