Trai bats for mobile phones linking directly to satellites

In a move that could change the way satellite communication services are delivered in the country, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has proposed allowing telecom operators to use satellite networks to provide connectivity directly to mobile phones, including in areas where conventional mobile towers are unavailable. It has also recommended a new framework under which satellite companies can operate networks and lease capacity to telecom operators and other eligible service providers, opening up the possibility of shared satellite infrastructure.