The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on November 05, 2026, has released the recommendations on Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation and Spectrum Assignment.
The following has been stated:
• The framework states that the Authorised entities would be permitted to provide Satellite Communication Network as a Service (SCNaaS) to eligible telecom service providers but would not be allowed to offer telecommunication services directly to end users. The proposed authorisation would have national coverage, a maximum validity of 20 years and provision for renewal for up to another 20 years.
• The recommendations also propose administrative assignment of Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) spectrum for feeder links and FSS/Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum for user links, subject to the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025. Spectrum assignment would generally be for up to five years, extendable by up to two years. Both MSS-based and IMT-based Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite services are proposed to be permitted, with IMT-based D2D operating on a non-interference and non-protection basis.
• The proposed financial framework includes an authorisation fee of 8% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), with no minimum authorisation fee, and an annual minimum spectrum charge of ₹3,500 per MHz where FSS/MSS spectrum is assigned by the Central Government. These are TRAI's recommendations to the Government and are not, by themselves, operative regulatory amendments.
[Press Release No. 151/2026]
