E-MagazineSatellite connectivity on smartphones in India? Here is what TRAI’s latest recommendations suggest
TRAI has proposed a 20-year authorisation for satellite network providers, with provisions for renewal.
The proposed framework includes Fixed Satellite, Mobile Satellite and Direct-to-Device services using IMT spectrum.
SCN providers may face an 8 per cent AGR-linked authorisation fee, along with entry, spectrum and financial requirements.
Amid the ongoing debate concerning satellite connectivity services in India, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed its framework for “Satellite Communication Network (SCN) Provider Authorisation and assignment of spectrum to satellite communication network providers. These recommendations came at the request of the Department of Telecommunications, which conveyed to the telecom watchdog in July 2025 that it should provide terms for SCN authorisation.
The update comes at a time when Starlink’s launch in India is facing delays due to regulatory hurdles and national security concerns around its arrival by the Indian government.
Coming to the current recommendations, TRAI proposed that a new “SCN Provider Authorisation” clause be introduced in the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Under the rules, network provider entities may offer satellite connectivity as a service to service (SCNaaS) providers for 20 years (with provisions for renewal) and could have provisions to limit telecom services directly to users.
The permitted services may include Fixed Satellite Service (FSS), Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) and Direct-to-Device (D2D) services using the IMT spectrum. A licensed satellite service provider may seek satellite spectrum allocation from the Central government to offer services to clients.
Upcoming Indian smartphones may support satellite connectivity
Spectrum for FSS and MSS services may be assigned for up to five years and be extendable by up to two years, the recommendations noted. The permissibility of direct-to-device services hints that the spectrum may be allocated for mobile connectivity for consumers too.
If the recommendations are accepted, the government may let smartphone makers include components necessary to support satellite connectivity. TRAI recommended the authorisation fee for SCN providers to be eight per cent of the Adjusted Gross Revenue. The spectrum charges may depend on the AGR, with different charging rules for rural and urban areas.
A spectrum may incur an annual minimum charge of Rs 3,500/MHz for FSS and MSS services. Beyond spectrum charges, TRAI recommends an entry fee of Rs 37,50,000 for SCN Provider Authorisation, with an application processing fee of Rs 10,000. Further, minimum equity and net worth are recommended to be Rs 60,00,000, and the initial guarantee is Rs 45,00,000.
How this may affect Starlink’s India arrival?
The recommendations can serve as foundational details for Elon Musk-led Starlink to explore regulatory pathways for a possible arrival in India. A standard spectrum allocation to service providers, rather than an auction, could drastically reduce entry barriers in the Indian satcom sector. However, the higher AGR-linked spectrum charges, limits around D2D connectivity and consideration of the business route to offer services to customers in remote zones may still be a bone of contention. Meanwhile, other players that are set to keep a close watch on these recommendations include Bharti Airtel-based Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance’s satellite business.
