India Finalizing Satellite Spectrum Rules

India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is finalizing new satellite spectrum allocation rules, with a draft set to be released soon for public consultation. Under the Telecommunications Act, spectrum will continue to be assigned administratively, rather than via auction, with a first-come, first-served model likely to be adopted.

Key changes include a shift from traditional licensing to a formal authorization regime, with the DoT now focused on interference management under shared spectrum use. Pricing is expected to follow the TRAI recommendation of 4% of AGR for a five-year term, pending DCC approval.

Major players like Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-SES are standing by for allocation to kick off commercial services, while Starlink awaits spectrum testing clearance following its May Letter of Intent.