Reliance Jio Challenges TRAI on Satellite Spectrum

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Reliance Jio disputes TRAI’s decision on satellite spectrum allocation.
• Mukesh Ambani’s firm advocates for an auction process, countering Elon Musk’s Starlink.
• The satellite services market in India is projected to grow significantly by 2030.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Reliance Jio, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, is currently lobbying against the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) over the allocation of satellite broadband spectrum. The ongoing dispute intensifies the competition between Reliance Jio and Elon Musk’s Starlink. Reliance Jio argues that TRAI’s decision to allocate spectrum instead of conducting an auction is flawed and not supported by Indian law.

The methodology for allocating satellite spectrum in India has been contentious, especially as the market is expected to grow at 36% annually, reaching $1.9 billion by 2030, according to Deloitte. Musk’s Starlink and other global players like Amazon’s Project Kuiper favor an administrative allocation, while Reliance Jio strongly advocates for a competitive auction process.

In a letter dated October 10, Reliance Jio claimed that the TRAI had prematurely interpreted the law to favor an allocation method. Reliance contends that there are currently no provisions for granting satellite broadband services to individual or home users. The firm has requested TRAI to amend its consultation paper to ensure fair competition in the market.

In response, TRAI has stated that the consultation process is ongoing and that Reliance is welcome to contribute feedback. The recommendations made by TRAI will ultimately guide the Indian government’s decision on the satellite spectrum allocation.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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