TechnologyVerified
TRAI recommends new satellite network licence and direct-to-device phone services
The regulator proposes 20-year authorisations and spectrum for up to five years; the government will decide.
India's telecom regulator has recommended a new licence category for satellite network operators, and says phones should be able to connect directly to satellites.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its recommendations on Thursday on a framework for "Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation" and the assignment of spectrum. They are advice to the government, which makes the final decision.
What TRAI recommends
- New authorisation: to be introduced under Section 3(1)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, for the whole country, for up to 20 years with renewal for up to 20 more.
- Wholesale role: these operators may provide satellite network as a service to eligible service providers, but not telecom services directly to users.
- Services allowed: fixed and mobile satellite services, and direct-to-device (D2D) services via satellite.
- Spectrum: feeder-link spectrum on an administrative basis; satellite spectrum assigned for up to five years, extendable by up to two.
- Direct-to-device: mobile-satellite D2D services in L and S bands should be allowed, and the government should encourage handset makers to include the needed modules. D2D using mobile-operator (IMT) spectrum should be allowed on a non-interference, non-protection basis without waiting for the WRC-27 outcome, provided operators holding the channel in all 22 service areas agree.
How it got here
The Department of Telecommunications asked TRAI on 3 July 2025 for terms and conditions. TRAI issued a consultation paper on 8 April 2026, received comments from 31 stakeholders and counter-comments from 12, and held an open house on 2 July 2026.
Source: official release by the Ministry of Communications, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (05 NOV 2026 5:00PM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: TRAI releases Recommendations on ‘The Framework for Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation, and Assignment of Spectrum to Satellite Communication Network Providers'.
How we verified this
VerifiedEvery fact, figure and quotation is taken from the official PIB release (Release ID 2333145) issued by the Ministry of Communications on 05 NOV 2026 5:00PM by PIB Delhi; checked against the source on publication. Story written by BDT from that release; no outside facts added.
Sources
- 1.TRAI releases Recommendations on ‘The Framework for Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation, and Assignment of Spectrum to Satellite Communicatio — Press Information Bureau, Government of India
