TRAI seeks views on direct satellite-to-mobile spectrum use

TRAI issued a consultation paper on Wednesday seeking stakeholder views on a framework for satellite communication network authorisation in India. The paper asks whether Direct-to-Device, or D2D, satellite-to-mobile services should use spectrum allocated for mobile satellite services or frequencies used for terrestrial 4G and 5G mobile networks.

The consultation paper focuses on direct satellite-to-mobile communication services and the spectrum bands that could support them. TRAI asked interested parties to comment on whether D2D services should run on mobile satellite service spectrum or on standard mobile frequencies already used for 4G and 5G services.

The consultation adds to broader industry work on integrating satellite connectivity with mobile devices and mobile networks. In this case, TRAI is examining the authorisation framework for satellite communication networks in India and the spectrum model for D2D services, which could affect how operators and satellite providers structure future services.