The wait for satellite broadband service is going to end soon. At the beginning of next year, crores of mobile users of the country will start getting satellite based internet service. The Department of Telecommunications and Telecom Regulator (TRAI) are continuously planning for satellite internet service. According to the new report, service providers can be given relief in satellite license allocation. For this, the Telecom Department can change the rules.
Relief in compliance
Airtel, Jio, Amazon as well as Elon Musk’s Starlink can benefit from the change in spectrum allocation rules. There is a possibility of some relief in compliance due to change in rules. Under the new rule, remote management of the service can also be allowed. Also, relaxation can be given in setting up fixed satellite terminals. The Department of Telecommunications discussed these issues and shared it with all four players.
Must input and share
Airtel’s OneWeb, Jio’s SES, Amazon’s Kuiper and Elon Musk’s Starlink are in the race to launch satellite internet service in India. These companies have been asked to share their inputs within a week. However, Amazon has asked for time till January regarding this. At the same time, Starling is very positive about the change in rules and has said that he will share the inputs soon. At the same time, other companies have also sought time from the government for this. Apart from Airtel, the government has not yet responded from any other company.
Decision on satellite internet soon
At present, the Department of Telecommunications can soon take a decision regarding spectrum allocation for satellite internet service. The government has given this information in the Lok Sabha during the winter session. Telecom regulator (TRAI) can finalize the terms of spectrum allocation by December 15. The telecom regulator had held a meeting with service providers and other stakeholders on November 8 last month.
The government can accelerate its allocation to start satellite service in the new year. If reports are to be believed, despite pressure from Jio and Airtel, the government is going to do the allocation of spectrum in an administrative manner. These companies had demanded allocation of spectrum through auction process like terrestrial spectrum.
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