TRAI Backs Direct-To-Device Satellite Connectivity, Proposes New Authorisation Framework

TRAI has proposed separating satellite network operations from consumer telecom services. It would create a Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation and permit direct-to-device, or D2D, connectivity through satellite and terrestrial mobile spectrum. This matters because compatible phones could potentially connect beyond conventional mobile coverage.

Under the proposed authorisation, a company could build and operate a satellite network and sell capacity to eligible telecom operators. It could not sell services directly to consumers under that authorisation. Operators would keep their customer relationships while using satellite infrastructure through partnerships.

TRAI has also proposed two D2D routes. Phones could use spectrum earmarked for mobile satellite services, or operators could allow satellite connectivity through their existing mobile spectrum. The recommendations are not yet commercial permission. They require government approval, and satellite services must avoid harmful interference with authorised services.

A Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation would create a dedicated regulatory route for companies that operate satellite networks. Its purpose is to separate the infrastructure role from the consumer-service role. This could make it easier for satellite companies and telecom operators to form partnerships.

For example, a satellite company could build and run the network, then sell network capacity to an eligible telecom service provider. The telecom operator would use that capacity to extend connectivity and would continue managing customers. The satellite company could not directly offer mobile or broadband services under the SCN authorisation alone.

Direct consumer service would require the relevant service licence or authorisation. The proposed nationwide SCN authorisation could last up to 20 years, with renewal for another period of up to 20 years. It therefore offers a long regulatory window for infrastructure investment, subject to government approval.

The framework is nationwide in scope. For D2D using terrestrial mobile spectrum, participating telecom operators would collectively need to hold the relevant frequency channel across all 22 licensed service areas. They would also need to agree to its use for satellite connectivity.

The proposed SCN Provider Authorisation would be valid for up to 20 years. Renewal could be granted for another period of up to 20 years. This long duration could give satellite network providers and their telecom partners time to build networks and develop services.

The arrangement is still only a recommendation. TRAI proposed allowing terrestrial-spectrum D2D without waiting for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027. Government approval remains necessary. Satellite services would also have to avoid interfering with existing authorised services and could not claim protection from interference those services cause.

If compatible smartphones can connect directly to satellites, people in areas without conventional mobile coverage could gain another way to connect. This could extend the reach of mobile connectivity beyond the footprint of ordinary terrestrial networks. The possibility matters especially for remote areas identified as difficult to serve through existing coverage.

The mechanism depends on the phone supporting the relevant satellite bands. TRAI has recommended encouraging handset manufacturers to include those bands in future smartphones sold in India. Another route would let telecom operators partner with satellite network providers and use their existing mobile spectrum for satellite links.

The outcome is not guaranteed immediately. TRAI’s proposals require government approval and do not themselves permit commercial D2D services. Any satellite service would need to avoid interference with authorised services. The article does not quantify how many additional users or locations would gain coverage.

The proposed framework divides responsibilities between two kinds of companies. Satellite network providers would build and operate the underlying satellite network. Telecom operators would access that infrastructure and continue managing their customer relationships.

For example, a satellite company could sell network capacity to an eligible telecom service provider. The operator could then use that capacity to extend coverage or support D2D connectivity. In a separate arrangement, an operator could provide its existing mobile spectrum for satellite connectivity. Spectrum rights in that partnership would remain with the operator.

The satellite company could not sell mobile or broadband services directly to consumers under the SCN authorisation alone. It would need the relevant service licence or authorisation. The structure is intended to support partnerships, while keeping consumer-facing services with appropriately authorised telecom operators.

TRAI has proposed two routes for D2D connectivity. The first would use spectrum earmarked for mobile satellite services. The second would use spectrum already assigned to terrestrial mobile operators. Both could connect phones to satellites, but they rely on different spectrum arrangements.

For the satellite-spectrum route, TRAI wants handset manufacturers encouraged to support the relevant satellite bands in future smartphones sold in India. For the terrestrial-spectrum route, telecom operators could partner with satellite network providers and use their existing mobile spectrum. Participating operators would collectively need the relevant frequency channel across all 22 licensed service areas.

Government-assigned satellite spectrum could last up to five years, with a possible two-year extension, and would carry an annual minimum charge of ₹3,500 per MHz. D2D using an operator’s spectrum would have no extra spectrum charge. Existing spectrum charges would continue, and spectrum rights would remain with the operator.

Radio spectrum is the range of electromagnetic frequencies used for wireless communication. Phones, mobile towers, and satellites transmit and receive signals over selected parts of that range. The article does not define spectrum, but it identifies different allocations for mobile satellite services and terrestrial mobile operators.

A particular frequency band acts like a shared communication lane. A phone and the network serving it must support compatible bands so signals can travel between them. If a satellite uses an operator’s existing mobile spectrum, the operator’s rights and the agreed frequency channel become central to the arrangement.

Frequency coordination also limits disruption. Signals using nearby or overlapping frequencies can interfere if they are not managed properly. That is why TRAI says satellite services must avoid interfering with existing authorised services and cannot claim protection from interference caused by those services. The proposed rules aim to enable connectivity while preserving authorised operations.