Satellite-based communications service to play pivotal role in expanding digital connectivity: TRAI Chairman

Trai chairman

Satellite-based communication services are evolving rapidly and are expected to play a pivotal role in expanding digital connectivity, said Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of TRAI on Friday while speaking at the Digicom Summit 2025 organised by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).

"Satellite communications (satcom), both geostationary and non-geostationary systems, are advancing quickly and will play a critical role in significantly expanding digital connectivity coverage," Lahoti added.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has sought recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on satellite spectrum allocation. TRAI is expected to propose rules shortly, and the government will evaluate these recommendations before deciding on the spectrum allocation process.

Analysts recently said that satellite-based direct-to-cell services, offered by players like Starlink, are unlikely to disrupt the mobile broadband business of Indian telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel soon. Analysts argue that the technology is still in its infancy and heavily depends on telcos to access their 4G spectrum for smartphone connectivity.

In a note, JM Financial highlighted that direct-to-cell technology currently delivers “inferior performance” compared to traditional wireless networks, limiting its ability to impact Indian telcos’ wireless business. Wireless services account for 80-90% of the valuations of Bharti and Jio. Additionally, satellite players would require partnerships with telecom operators to authenticate users via SIM cards, adding another layer of reliance on established telcos."

Lahoti said that simply having digital connectivity isn't enough; how technology is used to benefit people is what truly matters. "India has again taken the lead with its digital public infrastructure, particularly through the JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhar, and Mobile) trinity, which has significantly accelerated financial inclusivity," he added.

Lahoti further discussed Trai’s recommendation for adopting embedded SIMs for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications, which could stimulate the growth of a homegrown M2M eSIM ecosystem.

Additionally, he noted that Trai has proposed a framework for the experimental use of the Terahertz spectrum and the license-exempt use of the 77 to 81 GHz band for automotive radars. Once approved by the Digital Communications Commission (DCC), these initiatives are expected to foster technology innovation that enhances road safety.

Beyond services, Lahoti pointed out significant opportunities for innovation in the domestic manufacturing of telecom equipment, data infrastructure, and smart cities under the Make in India initiative. Trai's recommendations on indigenous manufacturing aim to promote value addition, expand markets, and support startups.

The government has also allocated substantial resources to initiatives such as the National Semiconductor Mission, National Quantum Mission, and the India AI Mission, designed to push cutting-edge developments and bolster the country’s digital sovereignty, he said.

SP Kochhar, Director General of COAI, added that telecom is fundamentally transforming how we live, with multiple sectors increasingly relying on telecommunication services.