Jio urges TRAI to include L and S bands in auction framework for satellite direct-to-device services

Spectrum

Reliance Jio has urged the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to bring the L and S spectrum bands—traditionally used for Mobile Satellite Services (MSS)—under the auction framework for telecom operators, saying these frequencies are key for enabling satellite-based direct-to-device (D2D) communications and future 6G innovations.

In its response to TRAI’s consultation paper on spectrum auction, Jio said that the L (1–2 GHz) and S (2–4 GHz) bands are increasingly being used globally for satellite-to-phone connectivity, and India should not exclude them from its IMT spectrum planning. “The L and S bands should be treated at par with IMT spectrum and included in the auction. This will allow a unified, software-defined network framework that supports D2D and other non-terrestrial innovations under the 6G umbrella and would give a big coverage boost to service providers,” Jio said.

The company pointed out that global players such as Starlink are already using spectrum in the 1600 MHz–2600 MHz range for D2D services, effectively making satellites function like “base stations in the sky.” Similarly, Apple’s partnership with Globalstar uses the S-band for iPhone satellite connectivity. “Including these bands in India’s auction framework will allow both global and domestic operators to enter the emerging D2D market with dedicated spectrum capacities,” Jio said.

Seeks regulator-led coexistence trials for the upper 6 GHz band

Jio also supported TRAI’s focus on ensuring coexistence between IMT-based services and satellite-based uplink operations in the upper 6 GHz band (6425–7125 MHz), but said the issue must be studied before the band is put to auction. “Considering there is sufficient time before this spectrum is deployed for IMT, it would be suitable to conduct a pilot trial to determine the keep-out distance of IMT base stations from satellite uplink stations prior to auctioning the band,” Jio said.

The company added that such regulator-led trials are consistent with international best practices followed by agencies like CEPT (Europe), the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). “Operators may later refine deployment through additional site-specific coordination, but a minimum protection regime must be defined in advance to ensure both IMT growth and satellite service integrity,” it said.

Jio’s proposals align with its broader push to integrate non-terrestrial networks—such as satellite and stratospheric platforms—into India’s 5G and upcoming 6G ecosystem, paving the way for ubiquitous connectivity, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Disclaimer: Moneycontrol is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.