New Delhi, April 8 The telecom sector regulator, TRAI, has started exploring options to allow direct transmission of communication services from satellites to mobile phones, in order to support ubiquitous connectivity across the country, particularly in rural and remote areas.
In a consultation paper on the framework for satellite communication network authorization, TRAI sought views from interested parties on whether Direct-to-Device (D2D) service should be provided using spectrum intended for mobile satellite services or frequencies available for normal mobile services such as 4G and 5G.
The provision of D2D is expected to bring satellite communication services in line with those offered by mobile service providers.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said that, as of now, some parts of rural and remote areas remain underserved.
"In this context, the two variants of D2D service, namely… D2D service via satellite using MSS spectrum, and… D2D service via satellite using IMT spectrum, may potentially enable ubiquitous connectivity across the country, particularly in such rural and remote areas," the regulator said.
"MSS" would refer to the provision of mobile satellite service on specialized satellite phones, while "D2D service via satellite using MSS spectrum" would refer to the provision of MSS on ordinary cellular mobile devices, the regulator said.
Generally, if the user terminal is fixed, such as a VSAT, the service falls under the FSS (fixed satellite service) category, and if the user terminal is mobile, the service falls under the MSS category.
The technical feasibility of providing direct satellite services using mobile service spectrum is pending a decision during the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – a UN body. The conference is scheduled to be held in China in October-November next year.
"A contrasting view could be that, considering global practices (many countries have already permitted D2D service via satellite using IMT spectrum), and the usefulness of this service in providing ubiquitous connectivity, this service should be enabled in India without delay," TRAI said.
The spectrum available for IMT or mobile services is allocated through auctions, while the Telecommunications Act 2023 allows the government to allocate the spectrum of satellite services for various purposes through an administrative process without any auction.
The regulator in the consultation paper has asked: "Should D2D service via satellite using IMT spectrum be permitted at this stage, or should this matter be examined after considering the outcome of WRC-2027?"
TRAI has also adopted a cautious approach, stating that before assigning FSS or MSS spectrum to authorized entities in the Satellite Communication Network (SCN), it would be necessary to ascertain the intended usage.
The regulator has set May 6 as the deadline for comments on the consultation paper and May 20 for counter comments.