Background: DoT reference and TRAI recommendations
In July 2024, DoT sought TRAI’s inputs on the regulatory framework and pricing for spectrum assignment to satellite operators. The reference dated 11 July 2024 asked TRAI to recommend terms and conditions that consider a level playing field with terrestrial access services for two broad categories of satellite services:
- NGSO-based Fixed Satellite Services (providing data communication and internet services), considering GSO counterparts;
- GSO/NGSO-based Mobile Satellite Services (providing voice, text, data and internet services).
Following a detailed consultation process, TRAI submitted its recommendations on 9 May 2025. Those recommendations covered assignment mechanisms, commercial terms and the factors to be considered for spectrum pricing for satellite-based commercial communication services.
DoT’s back-reference and TRAI’s reconsideration
On 12 November 2025, DoT issued a back-reference asking TRAI to reconsider specific aspects of its May recommendations under Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997 (as amended). Back-referencing is a statutory step enabling the administrative ministry to request the regulator to re-examine certain recommendations before policy decisions are finalised.
After careful review, TRAI has sent its response to the DoT explaining its stance and any adjustments or clarifications decided upon following the back-reference. The regulator noted that the reconsideration process was carried out with due regard to the statutory provisions and the inputs received during consultations.
Why the issue matters
Spectrum policy for satellite-based services is a critical element of India’s digital infrastructure strategy. NGSO (non-geostationary) constellations and GSO (geostationary) operators each bring different technical and service characteristics. Clear assignment terms and pricing are essential to attract investment, ensure fair competition with terrestrial broadband providers, and safeguard consumer interests.
Regulatory clarity can also influence deployment timelines for satellite Internet services, the economics of running large constellations, and the availability of affordable connectivity for remote and underserved regions.
Consultation and transparency
TRAI’s May 2025 recommendations were the outcome of a comprehensive consultative process that invited stakeholder views from satellite operators, service providers, industry associations and technical experts. The regulator’s decision to publish the response to DoT’s back-reference on its website is consistent with its practice of transparency in the rule-making process.
Stakeholders can read the full response and related documents at the TRAI website. For context, DoT’s original reference and subsequent correspondence form part of the public record relating to spectrum policy for satellite services.
Next steps
With TRAI’s response now with DoT and available publicly, the Ministry of Communications will examine the regulator’s reconsidered recommendations. The Ministry may proceed to formulate policy decisions or issue guidelines on spectrum assignment and pricing for the covered satellite services.
Policy choices taken by DoT will aim to balance investor certainty, technical feasibility, and equitable treatment across service categories. Any final decision will likely include implementation details such as licensing routes, assignment duration, pricing methodology and safeguards to ensure coexistence with terrestrial systems.
Where to read the documents
TRAI has placed its response on its official portal for access and public scrutiny.
