TRAI Proposes New Satellite Communication Rules: What It Means for Starlink, Jio Satcom and OneWeb in India

New Delhi, November 5, 2026: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed a new authorisation framework for satellite communication network providers, potentially opening fresh business opportunities for companies such as Starlink, Jio Satcom and Eutelsat OneWeb.

The recommendations, released on November 5, introduce a separate regulatory framework allowing satellite companies to supply network capacity to licensed telecom operators and eligible service providers instead of directly offering consumer telecom services under the proposed authorisation.

The proposal could strengthen satellite-based connectivity in India, particularly in remote and underserved regions where conventional mobile networks remain limited.

What Is TRAI's New Satellite Communication Framework?

Under the proposed framework, satellite companies would be allowed to provide Satellite Communication Network as a Service (SCNaaS) to eligible telecom operators and service providers.

This means satellite network providers could supply infrastructure and network capacity to telecom companies, which would then deliver connectivity services to customers.

However, companies operating solely under the new authorisation would not be permitted to provide telecom services directly to consumers.

The proposed authorisation would be separate from existing satellite service permissions, meaning companies with the necessary licences could continue offering services through their current regulatory arrangements.

How Will Starlink, Jio Satcom and OneWeb Benefit?

Starlink, Jio Satcom and Eutelsat OneWeb already hold Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) authorisations in India.

If the government accepts TRAI's recommendations, these companies could obtain an additional authorisation to supply satellite network capacity to telecom operators.

This would create another potential revenue model by allowing satellite companies to work as network infrastructure providers.

Telecom operators could use these partnerships to extend coverage to rural communities, remote locations and areas where building traditional mobile infrastructure is difficult.

However, the recommendations do not automatically grant new permissions to these companies. They would need to comply with the final regulatory framework.

Satellite-to-Mobile Connectivity Could Expand

One of the significant proposals concerns direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity.

The framework could allow telecom operators to collaborate with satellite companies to provide connectivity directly to compatible mobile phones in areas without conventional mobile network coverage.

TRAI has recommended permitting both mobile satellite spectrum and terrestrial mobile spectrum for satellite-based D2D services, subject to applicable technical and regulatory conditions.

If implemented, this could eventually improve communication access in remote regions and areas affected by disruptions to terrestrial networks.

However, the proposal does not mean that all existing smartphones will immediately support satellite connectivity.

TRAI Proposes 20-Year Authorisation and Spectrum Charges

TRAI has recommended that the new satellite network authorisation be valid across India for up to 20 years, with the possibility of renewal for another 20 years.

The regulator has also proposed an authorisation fee of 8% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR), without a minimum authorisation fee.

For spectrum allocation, TRAI has recommended an initial assignment period of up to five years, which the government may extend by another two years.

Where the government assigns Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) or Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum, the proposed annual minimum spectrum charge is ₹3,500 per MHz.

Satellite network providers may also be permitted to use spectrum assigned to their partnering service providers, subject to regulatory conditions.

Are the New Satellite Rules Already in Effect?

The recommendations are currently proposals and have not yet become binding regulations.

The Central Government will review TRAI's recommendations before deciding whether to accept them and introduce the necessary rules.

If approved, the framework could create new opportunities for Starlink, Jio Satcom, OneWeb and telecom operators to expand satellite-based connectivity across India.

The proposal represents a potential shift towards a model in which satellite infrastructure providers and telecom operators collaborate to deliver wider network coverage.