TRAI moots satellite network-as-a-service model, bars infra providers from directly serving users

New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended a new satellite communications framework under which authorised satellite network providers, a fresh category, can offer infrastructure and capacity as a service to telecom operators and other eligible service providers, but will not be permitted to provide telecommunication services directly to consumers.

The proposed framework also opens the door to direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, using both satellite and terrestrial mobile spectrum, potentially reshaping India’s satcom market by enabling deeper partnerships between satellite operators and traditional telecom companies.