Telecom regulator Trai has invited public views on the process and other norms that should be followed to allocate spectrum for satellite communication services.

The regulator has listed 54 questions covering different aspects of space-based communications and what should be the allocation methodology —auction or administrative assignment.

The consultation paper “Assignment of spectrum for Space-based Communication Services” follows a reference made to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India by the Department of Telecom (DoT) seeking the regulator’s recommendation on the contentious issue of spectrum allocation to satellite companies through auction.

“In the present consultation paper, Trai has considered all the spectrum bands relevant for space-based communication services as indicated by DoT.... In this consultation paper, specific issues have been raised for consideration by stakeholders. Written comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper are invited from the stakeholders by May 4, 2023, and counter comments by May 18, 2023,” Trai said.

Satellite firms agree that administrative allocation of spectrum would be the right approach, telecom operators have said spectrum for commercial use should be allocated through auction only.

The DoT in its references has “envisaged to auction the Space Spectrum on exclusive basis”.