DoT signals 5% AGR as satcom spectrum fee

New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is likely to recommend increasing the usage fee for satellite spectrum to 5% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR), instead of 4% proposed by the industry regulator, officials aware of the development told ET.

If accepted by the Cabinet, the move would be a setback for satcom majors such as Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon Kuiper, which have been lobbying to keep the rates low.

The DoT will now send its view as part of a reference back to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), which will then give its suggestions, officials cited above said.