On May 9, 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a recommendations paper on spectrum assignment for certain satellite-based commercial communication services. The recommendations follow the enactment of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which defines spectrum assignment processes and emphasizes administrative allocation for select services.
Under Section 4 of the Act, spectrum must be assigned through auction unless listed for administrative processing in the First Schedule. Satellite services such as Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT), Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS), and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) in the L and S bands are covered under this schedule.
Spectrum Bands Identified for Use
TRAI has reviewed several frequency bands for both NGSO (Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit) and GSO (Geostationary Satellite Orbit) satellite operations. The following bands have been recommended for spectrum assignment:
Space-to-Earth:
10.7–12.75 GHz
17.7–18.6 GHz
18.8–21.2 GHz
Earth-to-Space:
12.75–14.5 GHz
27.5–31 GHz (noting overlap with IMT and CNPN use)
The 27.5–28.5 GHz band has been designated for IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications), while the 28.5–29.5 GHz band is under study for Captive Non-Public Networks (CNPN). TRAI has advised the DoT to consider coexistence frameworks to allow flexible usage of these overlapping bands by both satellite and terrestrial networks.
Assignment Mechanism and Regulatory Position
TRAI confirmed that for services falling under the First Schedule of the Telecommunications Act, spectrum must be assigned via administrative methods. However, TRAI emphasized that the conditions of assignment—including pricing and eligibility—should still support efficient use and ensure a level playing field with terrestrial services.
There is no indication of new certification standards for devices, but TRAI did stress that frequency use must adhere to international coordination practices, particularly those outlined by the ITU-R Radio Regulations. Coordination with ITU remains a regulatory requirement, especially for shared spectrum bands.
Implications for Service Operators
Operators using NGSO constellations under GMPCS and other license types are subject to these new terms. TRAI’s recommendations specifically highlight the need to assign both user and feeder link spectrum under consistent regulatory conditions. The goal is to ensure technical integrity, coexistence with terrestrial systems, and equitable treatment among providers offering similar services.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
India
Certification Body: Ministry of IT and Communications, Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Local Representative
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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