TRAI releases Consultation Paper on Licensing Framework for Establishing Satellite Earth Station Gateway

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has released a Consultation Paper on “Licensing Framework for Establishing Satellite Earth Station Gateway.”

This is in response to the request made by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), through its letter dated 10th September 2021, to furnish recommendations on Licensing Framework for Establishing Satellite Gateway.

The TRAI has stated that the current licensing framework of Department of Telecommunications (DoT) with respect to satellite services has limitations with respect to proposed satellite gateway(s) operations, as there are no provisions regarding usage of gateway by service provider established by a satellite constellation operator. Considering the constraints of the existing provisions in respect of proposed satellite gateway(s) operations, DoT has stated that there is a need for suitable licensing framework and requested TRAI to examine all the factors holistically and recommendation on licensing framework for satellite gateway(s) operations may be suggested including the entry fee, license fee, bank guarantee, NOCC charges, and any other issue(s) which may be relevant for LEO/MEO/HTS systems.

TRAI has released the Consultation Paper on “Licensing Framework for Establishing Satellite Earth Station Gateway”, seeking inputs from the stakeholders. Written comments on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper are invited from the stakeholders by December 13, 2021 and counter-comments by December 27, 2021. CT Bureau