Spectrum allocation for satellite internet gets nod

NEW DELHI: India has paved the way for satellite broadband services to be provided by players like Elon Musk’s Starlink, Sunil Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, and Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio, with Digital Communications Commission (DCC) approving telecom regulator Trai’s recommendations on satellite spectrum allocation. DCC is the apex body for telecom and digital communication policies.Satellite service providers are likely to receive spectrum for five years and they will be required to pay a spectrum usage charge (SUC) of 5% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR), said officials. Companies providing satellite connectivity to rural and remote areas are likely to pay a lower SUC.Trai wants satellite internet services to be affordableStarlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio were awaiting clarity on spectrum allocation to begin commercial satellite broadband services.