New Delhi, 6 November 2026: The Broadband India Forum (BIF) has welcomed the Recommendations released yesterday by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on the Framework for Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation, and Assignment of Spectrum to Satellite Communication Network Providers, and commended the Authority for a thorough, consultative and progressive roadmap for the sector going forward.
BIF has particularly noted Recommendation 4.1(b), in which TRAI has stated that the Central Government should reconsider the introduction of satellite-based telecommunication service authorisation under the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026.
This is consistent with BIF’s written Submissions made at the time of submission of comments and counter-comments. BIF had highlighted that the First Schedule of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 recognises GMPCS, VSAT, Teleports, DTH and Mobile Satellite Services as distinct services, and that the absence of a dedicated satellite service authorisation leaves uncertainty over the natural assignee of administratively assigned satellite spectrum under Entry 16. BIF had emphasised that a standalone service authorisation would give the sector a clear, legally sound pathway, while complementing the network authorisation now recommended by TRAI.
BIF also welcomes several other features of the Recommendations which includes the roadmap for D2D services using both MSS & IMT spectrum, administrative assignment of satellite spectrum, etc.
Mr. T.V. Ramachandran, President, Broadband India Forum, said, “We congratulate TRAI on these considered recommendations and we believe if accepted, these would support greater investment, stronger competition and accelerated growth of India’s satellite communications sector. A standalone Satellite-based Telecommunication Service Authorisation is essential for providing certainty to investors and would also be consistent with the legislative intent, indicated in the Telecommunications Act, the Indian Space Policy and the NFAP issued by DoT itself. This will help propel satellite broadband to reach unserved and underserved India faster and at am affordable cost to consumers. We are confident the Government will give this recommendation early and careful consideration, and BIF stands ready to support the Department of Telecommunications in every way.”
About Broadband India Forum: Broadband India Forum (BIF) is an independent policy forum and knowledge-based think-tank that works for the development and enhancement of the entire broadband & broadcasting ecosystem in a holistic, technology-neutral and service neutral manner. BIF has established itself as a thought leader and a credible and effective voice, to help propel the nation to achieve the country’s ambitious vision of creating a Digital India. To achieve this, BIF works to promote the rapid development of policies, to facilitate affordable and high-speed ubiquitous broadband throughout the country.
