Scindia rules out spectrum auction for allocation

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia told Parliament on Thursday that satellite spectrum would be allocated administratively rather than through auction, aligning with global practices.

“We cannot auction an asset, which is not fully in our control. This applies not only to India but all countries,” Scindia said, explaining the technical differences between mobile and satellite communications.

During the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, the minister elucidated that mobile technology operates on low-frequency waves that dissipate in the atmosphere, necessitating spectrum auctions to prevent signal interference. In contrast, satellite communications use higher frequencies transmitted directly like a laser through fixed antennas.