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Technology
TRAI Proposes Satcom Operators Sell Capacity to Telecoms, Not Directly to Users
✍️ NDTV
🗓 05 Nov 2026, 09:50 PM
👁 7
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has recommended that satellite network providers offer capacity to licensed telecom operators rather than selling services directly to consumers.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released new recommendations regarding the satellite communications framework. The proposal, dated November 5, outlines a significant shift in how satellite-based telecom services will be regulated in the country.
Under the new framework, satellite network providers are proposed to offer network capacity to eligible telecom operators and service providers. This means that companies like Starlink, Jio, and OneWeb would not directly sell telecom services to end-users under this specific authorization model.
Instead, the satellite operators would act as capacity providers, leasing their infrastructure to licensed telecom companies. These telecom operators would then be responsible for marketing and providing the actual services to consumers.
This regulatory approach aims to ensure that satellite services complement existing terrestrial networks while maintaining a clear distinction between infrastructure providers and service providers in the Indian telecom market.
Under the new framework, satellite network providers are proposed to offer network capacity to eligible telecom operators and service providers. This means that companies like Starlink, Jio, and OneWeb would not directly sell telecom services to end-users under this specific authorization model.
Instead, the satellite operators would act as capacity providers, leasing their infrastructure to licensed telecom companies. These telecom operators would then be responsible for marketing and providing the actual services to consumers.
This regulatory approach aims to ensure that satellite services complement existing terrestrial networks while maintaining a clear distinction between infrastructure providers and service providers in the Indian telecom market.