TRAI has taken a big decision to boost investment in the telecom sector. It allows telecom operators to participate in an auction to acquire spectrum for satellite-based communications. This will make India the first country to hold a satellite spectrum auction.
“The regulator is likely to come out with a model for the auction of satellite spectrum. India will be the first country to handle issues relating to the auction of spectrum for satellite communications, but it will be designed in a way that it attracts investments rather than killing them,” TRAI chairman PD Vaghela said.
“I think India will be the first to handle the issue of auctioning the space base spectrum. We are working on it,” he added.
However, the Broadband India Forum (BIF), and an association of technology players like Google, Hughes, and more, are opposed to an auction. It has been said that since satellite spectrum is not exclusive to an operator, auctioning makes no sense.
“TRAI is in discussion with experts and regulators worldwide for a suitable model and the consultation paper will be floated after those discussions are over.” Mr.Vaghela said.
