Satcom to enhance connectivity, contribute to achieving UN SDG goals: TRAI chairman
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
(
TRAI
).
'The promotion of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) is seen as a transformative step to enhance connectivity beyond terrestrial reach and foster innovation. Space technology has the potential to contribute to achieving the
UN Sustainable Development Goals
,' Lahoti said on Thursday at the ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) Space
Policy
Conference 2025 (ISPC-25).
Satellites can contribute to the achievement of SDGs by providing data and enabling communications and connectivity and remote and far-flung regions. The technology facilitates agencies and regulators to monitor progress, make data-backed decisions, and drive sustainable development initiatives, according to the
Global Satellite Operators Association
(GSOA).
As per the Brussels-headquartered industry association, the satellite industry can bring an estimated $250 billion in social and economic benefits globally by 2030.
Lahoti further said that the Indian Space Policy, 2023, has enabled increased participation of private players and startups across the entire ecosystem and opened up a level-playing field for non-governmental entities.
He said the telecom regulator's recently released
satcom
recommendations are 'balanced', taking into account the requirements of all stakeholders.
TRAI, in May, recommended administrative allocation of satcom spectrum with a fee pegged amounting to 4% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR), for a five-year term, which can be extended by another 2 years. The 4% AGR fee applies to both geostationary and non-geostationary satellite operators.
'We believe that this is a very balanced recommendation, which will benefit benefit the sector and yet take care of the interests of all the stakeholders,' he said. 'Overall, we hope these recommendations will be a significant step to ensuring the growth of India's satellite broadband ecosystem and support national digital inclusion goals,' Lahoti added.
Revathi Mannepalli, joint wireless advisor, and member (radio regulatory board), International Telecommunications Union (ITU), in turn, said that the Telecommunication Act, 2024, has modernised the regulation of the sector, and aims to enhance ease-of-doing-business, promote and development, and bridge the digital divide.
'TRAI has already provided recommendations on it (satcom). DoT is working on it, and probably soon will be coming up with the rules and regulations on that,' she added.
Isabelle Mauro, director-general, GSOA, said that India has made significant progress in streamlining and centralising space activities.
'We must continue to adhere to these standardised procedures as we provide the certainty needed for industry investment, and for innovation,' Mauro added, noting that assignment and pricing debates over the last few years have delayed the rollout of satellite services and impacted their role in bridging the digital divide.
'The services are now ready, and we must now concentrate on facilitating deployment, including focusing on blanket licensing approaches to streamline procedures and on approvals of these sites,' according to Mauro.
The harmonisation of spectrum, mutual recognition and type approval of user channels will all contribute to economies of scale and lower the pricing of deploying user equipment, 'hence benefitting customers', she added.
GSOA's members include the Eutelsat Group, Airbus, Echostar, AST SpaceMobile, SES, Viasat, and others.
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