DCC Seeks Clarifications on Satcom Spectrum Guidelines from TRAI

The Digital Communications Commission (DCC), which serves as the top policy-making entity within the Telecom Department, has initiated steps to acquire specific clarifications from regulator TRAI concerning its guidelines on satellite communication spectrum, according to insider sources.

During a meeting held on Tuesday, the DCC deliberated over TRAI's recommendations. Sources with knowledge of the proceedings revealed that the Commission will revert to TRAI seeking further elucidation on certain recommendations.

In a move made public in May, TRAI recommended that satellite communication entities like Starlink remunerate the government with 4% of their Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) as spectrum charges—a figure significantly higher than the industry's lobbying targets. TRAI also proposed that operators providing satellite-based broadband in urban locales incur an additional cost of Rs 500 per subscriber annually, a recommendation directed at the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Notably, no extra fee would apply to rural services.