Trai satellite spectrum charges 'unfair': COAI

THE CELLULAR OPERATORS Association of India (COAI) has voiced disagreement over the recent recommendations on spectrum allocation for satellite-based communication services issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), warning that the move risks distorting India's digital infrastructure landscape by favouring non-terrestrial players.

- URVI MALVANIA

In a letter to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), dated May 29, the COAI argued that TRAI's recommendations offer "a regulatory advantage to commercial NGSO (non-geostationary orbit) satellites against terrestrial broadband service providers" and, if implemented, "will undermine competition and create a non-level playing field."

The industry body that represents the three private telcos Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, said that Trai's recommended spectrum pricing mechanism was a major concern.

The recommended framework includes the higher of 4% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) or ₹3,500 per MHz per annum, plus ₹500 annually per urban customer.