Trai proposes satellite network authorisation and spectrum rules for direct-to-device services
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What happened
Trai issued recommendations for a dedicated B2B satellite network authorisation and for spectrum assignment rules to support direct-to-device connectivity on mobile handsets. The recommendations outline a regulatory path for satellite providers to work with terrestrial mobile ecosystems rather than relying only on traditional satcom terminals.
Why it matters
The recommendations move direct-to-device satellite connectivity from a technology concept toward a defined Indian regulatory track. That can alter market entry conditions, spectrum allocation debates, and the balance between telecom operators, satellite firms and handset makers.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India proposed a new business-to-business satellite network authorisation framework and recommended spectrum rules intended to enable direct-to-device satellite connectivity on ordinary mobile phones. The move creates a live regulatory step for satellite communications, telecom operators and device ecosystems by sketching how services could be licensed and how airwaves could be assigned. The immediate policy question is whether the government moves quickly to convert the recommendations into licence conditions and spectrum policy, or slows to reconcile telecom, satellite and competition concerns.
Watch for
Department of Telecommunications release of a consultation, acceptance note, or implementation roadmap on Trai's satcom recommendations by 2026-11-09 Ministry of Communications statement specifying whether direct-to-device spectrum would be administratively assigned or auctioned by 2026-11-09 Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, or Vodafone Idea filing a public response on Trai's direct-to-device framework within 72 hours Indian Space Association or Cellular Operators Association of India publication of a formal position on the proposed authorisation terms by 2026-11-09
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