TRAI maintains stand on satcom issue, cites lack of clarity in DoT’s query

Responding to queries raised by the Department of Telecom, regulator TRAI on Thursday stuck to its recommendations on creating a licensing framework for satellite-based connectivity for low bit rate applications like ATM, internet of things devices and traffic management. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) published its response to clarifications sought by the Department of Telecom (DoT) on the matter based on issues raised by the Digital Communications Commission (DCC)– the apex decision making body at the department.

The regulator had in August 2021 recommended to the government to replace the existing formula-based mechanism and levy spectrum usage charges of 1 per cent of AGR (adjusted gross revenue) for using satellite frequencies under the NLD (national long distance) service licence.

TRAI has suggested excluding the revenue from the licensed services other than satellite-based services from AGR while computing the charges. PTI