- The debate over satellite spectrum allocation resurfaced as Reliance Jio urged the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to auction airwaves for satellite internet services, including SpaceX’s Starlink.
- This sparked opposition from global satellite companies.
- Reliance Jio advocated for auctioning satellite spectrum, similar to how cellular spectrum is allocated, citing the Supreme Court’s 2012 2G spectrum ruling as a basis.
- On the contrary, Satellite companies argue that satellite spectrum is shared among operators and not scarce, unlike cellular spectrum, making auctions unnecessary.
- The Telecommunications Act, of 2023, mandates that satellite spectrum allocation will be done administratively.
- TRAI will determine the cost, emphasizing that India’s approach aligns with global practices and that shared spectrum cannot be priced individually.
- The government indicated it is not considering auctions, aligning with international norms, as satellite spectrum is shared beyond 7–8 GHz and difficult to price for individual use.
| Aspect | Satellite Spectrum | Cellular Spectrum |
| Usage | Used for satellite communication (TV, internet, etc.) | Used for mobile communication (voice, data) |
| Frequency Bands | Operates in higher frequencies: C-band (4-8 GHz), Ku-band (12-18 GHz), Ka-band (26.5-40 GHz) | Operates in lower frequencies: 700 MHz to 6 GHz |
| Coverage | Wide coverage over large areas (oceans, remote areas) | Localized coverage in specific regions (cell tower range) |
| Allocation and Licensing | Shared globally, regulated by ITU | Licensed through national auctions, regulated by governments |
| Technology and Infrastructure | Requires satellites in orbit and ground stations | Relies on cell towers, base stations, and mobile devices |
Dig Deeper: Read about the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
