Telecom: TRAI rejects COAI's objections, refuses to review SATCOM recommendations..
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has categorically ruled out any possibility of reviewing its recommendations regarding satellite communication (satcom) spectrum. According to TRAI sources, no review is needed at the moment despite the objections of industry body COAI.
TRAI sources said that the recommendations given regarding spectrum have been submitted to the government after a detailed and transparent consultation process. During the consultation, all the parties were given ample opportunity to present their views. In such a situation, based on the response of COAI, there is no need for any review now.
Objection to TRAI recommendations
COAI (Cellular Operators Association of India), which includes big names like Reliance Jio and Airtel, wrote a letter to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on May 29, objecting to TRAI's recommendations. COAI had said that these recommendations are based on wrong assumptions, which will give an unfair advantage to satellite service providers and affect the stability of the terrestrial network.
COAI alleges that TRAI has given a regulatory edge to NGSO (Non-Geostationary Orbit) satellite services over terrestrial broadband service providers, which will affect competition and not provide a level playing field.
Broadband services may be affected.
As per TRAI's recommendation, satellite companies like Starlink will have to pay spectrum charges of 4% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). Customers in urban areas will be charged Rs 500 extra per year, while there will be no additional charge in rural areas.
COAI says that these charges have been fixed without proper basis and this will affect terrestrial services, which are the digital foundation of the country.
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