Editorial – June 2023

Trai’s open house on spectrum for space-based communication services held recently, saw pitched lobbying by Bharti Airtel for free spectrum. The arguments they advanced – satellite spectrum cannot be allocated exclusively to a particular operator, hence cannot be regulated and auctioned in the same manner as terrestrial spectrum – are legacy propositions and at best a distraction.

Globally the move is towards convergence of space and terrestrial mobile services, the lead has been taken by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of US which has taken proactive steps whereby a satellite operator can partner with a mobile operator, access their terrestrial spectrum through a lease arrangement and changes in its license. It could then provide service directly to the subscribers of the wireless carrier in uncovered areas. US telcos are working to end dead zones through such convergence while companies on the equipment side are working to bring cellular-to-satellite connectivity to smartphones.

At the World Mobile Congress 2023, Barcelona, the big fest of regulators and wireless industry, the issue which got maximum traction was: the emerging convergence of space and terrestrial mobile services. There are no fixed silos anymore in the cable, satellite and wireless industry anymore. What is fundamental is ubiquitous access and quality of service, it does not matter whether a telco does it, a satellite company or a combination of both.

And since spectrum for space-based communication services will ramp up the wireless subscribers or increase usage, feed the revenue of the company using it, that spectrum ought to be priced and auctioned. It cannot be given for free. In India, as a matter of principle, well laid out by judgements of the apex court, spectrum is a natural resource and cannot be given for free. It ought not to be given free unless it serves a defining public interest mandate or a national security purpose. We are seeing countries auctioning slots for geostationary satellites. This list will grow as the competitive landscape matures.