DoT drafts spectrum assignment rules for BSNL, MTNL, satellite services; NGSO players excluded

IANS

New Delhi

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released draft rules for the administrative allocation of spectrum under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, laying down eligibility criteria, spectrum charges and assignment conditions for a range of telecom and satellite communication services.  

However, the proposed framework does not cover satellite broadband operators, including Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio's satellite internet business, leaving the sector awaiting a separate policy framework for the allocation and pricing of spectrum.

The draft rules, released for public consultation, primarily cover traditional satellite communication services, including Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) operators, Direct-to-Home (DTH) platforms, teleports, broadcasters and satellite phone services operated by state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). In addition, the framework applies to spectrum assigned administratively to government-owned telecom firms BSNL and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).