Telcos, satellite firms & tech firms differ on spectrum auction plan

A rift has emerged between telecom companies, satellite service providers and global technology firms over which frequency bands should be auctioned next by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). Each group has written to the regulator with different suggestions for the next 5G spectrum auction.

Conflict Over Satellite vs. Mobile Use Placement

The first point of disagreement is about the L-band and S-band. Satellite companies have told the regulator that these frequencies are meant for mobile-satellite services and do not fall under Trai’s ongoing consultation paper on mobile spectrum. SIA-India, which represents satellite players,