DCC to seek clarifications on satcom spectrum recommendations

The DCC held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the recommendations of the TRAI on satcom spectrum

The telecom department's highest decision-making body on Tuesday sought clarification from TRAI on certain aspects of satellite spectrum recommendations, sources said indicating that fee mooted for urban customers and the annual minimum spectrum charges suggested by the regulator could be some of the areas for the back-reference.

The development assumes significance as prominent companies including billionaire Elon Musk-owned Starlink, Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, and Reliance Jio-SES, are keenly eyeing the high stakes game of broadband beamed from Indian skies.

The Digital Communications Commission (DCC) held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on satcom spectrum. Sources said the multi-ministry apex decision-making body that looks at significant telecom matters, has decided to seek certain clarifications from TRAI over satcom spectrum recommendations.

Areas where clarification are likely to be sought include the regulator's suggestion on charging additional Rs 500 per annum from urban areas, sources said adding that Telecom Department is of the view that implementation challenges, and issues around billing could arise. Further they feel a clear rural-urban demarcation may be difficult.