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The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) proposal to introduce a separate infrastructure provider category for satellite communication services has received support from both telecom operators and satellite service providers. Industry stakeholders believe the framework can promote infrastructure sharing, improve operational efficiency and accelerate satellite broadband deployment across the country. However, discussions continue on issues such as spectrum usage, regulatory obligations and the scope of infrastructure sharing as the sector prepares for commercial satellite communication services.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) proposal to create a separate infrastructure provider (IP) category for satellite communication (satcom) services has received support from both telecom operators and satellite service providers, reflecting growing consensus on the need for a common framework to facilitate satellite network deployment in India.
The proposal is aimed at allowing specialised infrastructure providers to establish, own and lease passive satellite communication infrastructure to licensed service providers, similar to the existing infrastructure-sharing model in the terrestrial telecom sector. Industry participants believe such a framework could reduce duplication of investments, lower deployment costs and accelerate the rollout of satellite broadband services.
Telecom operators, satellite companies and industry associations have largely supported the recommendation, stating that infrastructure sharing can improve network efficiency while enabling multiple service providers to utilise common facilities such as gateway earth stations, antenna infrastructure and related support systems.
The proposal comes as India's satellite communication sector prepares for commercial expansion with the entry of global and domestic players offering low earth orbit (LEO), medium earth orbit (MEO) and geostationary satellite services. Companies planning satellite broadband services are expected to benefit from a regulatory framework that encourages shared infrastructure while maintaining service quality and security standards.
Despite broad agreement on the infrastructure proposal, stakeholders continue to hold differing views on certain regulatory aspects. Discussions remain active regarding spectrum allocation, licensing conditions, regulatory obligations and competitive neutrality between terrestrial telecom operators and satellite service providers.
Telecom companies have sought regulatory parity to ensure that satellite operators are subject to appropriate licensing and compliance requirements, while satellite industry participants have emphasised the need for a framework that reflects the operational characteristics of satellite networks and supports faster service deployment.
The proposed infrastructure provider category is expected to separate infrastructure ownership from service delivery, enabling licensed operators to focus on providing communication services while accessing shared facilities developed by specialised infrastructure companies. Industry experts believe this model can encourage investment and improve utilisation of capital-intensive satellite infrastructure.
The framework also aligns with India's broader objective of expanding digital connectivity to remote, rural and underserved regions where terrestrial networks may not be commercially viable. Satellite communication is expected to complement existing mobile and broadband networks by extending coverage to difficult geographical areas and supporting disaster management, maritime communication and aviation connectivity.
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