Overview

• On June 1, Airtel and Reliance Jio filed formal objections with the Department of Telecommunications over TRAI’s satellite spectrum recommendations.
• The Cellular Operators Association of India contends that TRAI’s proposals rely on flawed assumptions and neglect input from incumbent terrestrial networks.
• COAI argues that the recommendations create regulatory arbitrage by suggesting lower spectrum pricing for satellite operators than for terrestrial carriers.
• Starlink has received a letter of intent to launch services in India and now awaits a formal operating license from the telecom ministry.
• The government’s ruling on these objections will shape the competitive landscape as satellite internet moves beyond rural coverage into urban markets.