TRAI releases Recommendations on ‘The Framework for Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation, and Assignment of Spectrum to Satellite Communication Network Providers'

TRAI has recommended creating a new “Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation” under Section 3(1)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The authorisation would create a specific regulatory route for entities that build or operate satellite communication networks. It matters because these entities could support other eligible providers without directly selling telecommunication services to users.

For example, an authorised SCN provider could offer Satellite Communication Network as a Service, or SCNaaS, to a licensee permitted to provide satellite-based communication. The authorised provider could seek suitable FSS or MSS spectrum from the Central Government, or use spectrum assigned to a partnering service provider.

The proposal follows a DoT request dated 03.07.2025. TRAI consulted stakeholders in 2026, receiving comments from 31 stakeholders and counter-comments from 12. Its recommendation is a proposed framework, not a statement that the authorisation has already been implemented.

Satellite Communication Network as a Service, or SCNaaS, would let an authorised satellite network provider make its network available to eligible service providers. The network provider would supply the satellite connectivity platform, while the eligible provider would remain responsible for permitted telecommunication or satellite-based services. This separates network operation from direct retail service delivery.

For example, an entity authorised to provide satellite-based communication could seek SCNaaS from an SCN provider. Eligible users also include entities holding specified authorisations, such as unified service, access service, internet service, long-distance, VSAT or GMPCS authorisations. These entities must meet the relevant eligibility requirements and conditions.

The proposed framework says SCN provider entities may not provide telecommunication services directly to users. It also allows certain existing licensees or authorised entities to provide SCNaaS, if they meet SCN eligibility criteria and follow technical, operating, rollout and security conditions.

TRAI’s recommendations would permit several services through SCN provider networks. These include Fixed Satellite Service, or FSS, and Mobile Satellite Service, or MSS. The framework would also permit direct-to-device, or D2D, services delivered through satellite using MSS and D2D services delivered using IMT spectrum.

In practical terms, a network could support fixed satellite connectivity for locations or terminals that remain in place. It could also support mobile satellite services for moving users or equipment. A separate D2D arrangement could connect compatible devices through satellites, using either MSS or IMT spectrum, as permitted by the framework.

The article does not describe technical deployment details or service coverage for each category. It states that these services should be permitted through the satellite communication networks of authorised SCN providers. The recommendation therefore establishes the permitted service range, while implementation would depend on authorisation and spectrum arrangements.

TRAI recommends that an SCN provider authorisation cover the national area. Its maximum duration would be 20 years, with provision for renewal for up to another 20 years. This gives an authorised provider a potentially long operating horizon for establishing and maintaining a satellite communication network.

For example, a provider authorised nationally could offer SCNaaS to eligible service providers across the country rather than receiving a narrowly local authorisation. The arrangement could support networks serving different permitted applications, including FSS, MSS and D2D services. The provider would still need to follow applicable technical, operating, rollout and security conditions.

The article presents this as TRAI’s recommendation, not as an already-effective authorisation. It does not state when the framework will be adopted or how renewals would be processed. Those details would need to be addressed through the government’s subsequent regulatory action.

The article states that SCN provider entities may seek appropriate satellite spectrum, specifically FSS and MSS spectrum, from the Central Government. They may also use spectrum assigned to partnering service providers. This spectrum would support SCNaaS for eligible service providers.

The background request from DoT asked TRAI to recommend spectrum-assignment terms for both feeder links and user links under the proposed authorisation. However, the supplied article excerpt does not provide separate spectrum bands, quantities, assignment procedures or durations for those two links. It identifies the links as part of the requested framework, not their final technical details.

Therefore, the article supports only a limited answer: FSS and MSS spectrum may be sought or used through partnerships. It does not state how long assignments would last. Any claim about a specific assignment period would require the complete TRAI recommendations or a later government decision.

If adopted, the framework could create a clearer route for satellite network operators to provide capacity to telecom and satellite-service providers. That could support satellite internet, mobile satellite connectivity and direct-to-device services, because FSS, MSS and specified D2D services would be permitted through authorised SCN networks. The framework would not itself guarantee immediate consumer coverage.

For example, an eligible internet or access-service provider could obtain SCNaaS from an authorised network provider. The network provider could seek FSS or MSS spectrum from the Central Government, or use spectrum held by a partner. This would allow network infrastructure and direct customer services to be supplied by separate entities.

The proposed model also sets a boundary: SCN authorised entities could not provide telecommunication services directly to users. The article does not state when adoption would occur, what prices would apply, or how quickly services would launch. Those outcomes would depend on later implementation and spectrum arrangements.

A feeder link is the satellite connection between a terrestrial gateway and the satellite. A user link is the connection between the satellite and the user’s terminal, device or service access point. Together, they form the two main parts of a satellite communication path: the gateway reaches the satellite, and the satellite reaches the user.

For example, data from a terrestrial network can travel through a gateway on a feeder link to a satellite. The satellite can then send that data over a user link to a connected terminal. In the opposite direction, user data returns through the user link, reaches the satellite, and travels over the feeder link to the gateway and terrestrial network.

The article mentions that DoT asked TRAI to address spectrum assignment for both links. It does not define either term or explain their engineering operation. These definitions use established telecommunications knowledge; the article itself only identifies both links as part of the requested framework.