PHD Chamber Joins Jio in Demanding Fairness in Satellite Spectrum Allocation

After Reliance Jio, the PHD Chamber of Commerce has also asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to revise its consultation paper on the rules for allocating satellite spectrum. They argue that the paper fails to address important issues regarding fair competition between satellite and terrestrial networks.

In a letter to Trai Chairman AK Lahoti, PHD Chamber’s Executive Director, Ranjeet Mehta, emphasised that not discussing the need for a fair playing field violates Article 14 of the Constitution. He noted that the lack of such questions in the consultation paper prevents stakeholders from sharing their views, which are crucial for Trai’s decision-making.

Mehta stated that Ignoring the need for fairness in the consultation process could lead to unfair discrimination and undermine equality.

On September 27, 2024, Trai began a consultation to determine how to assign spectrum to satellite companies for services like calling, messaging, and broadband in India. The outcomes will affect satellite-based broadband providers like Starlink, OneWeb, and Jio Satellite Communications.

Mehta urged Trai to issue a revised consultation paper that includes specific questions on ensuring fair competition. Meanwhile, Reliance Jio has also called for a revised paper highlighting the importance of fairness between satellite and terrestrial services.

However, the Broadband India Forum disagreed with Jio’s request, stating that the argument for a fair playing field between satellite and terrestrial services is flawed and shows a misunderstanding of both the technology and the law.

About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is a government-established body created under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. It regulates the telecommunications sector in India. TRAI is made up of a chairperson, up to two full-time members, and up to two part-time members. The TRAI Act was changed by an ordinance that took effect on January 24, 2000, which set up a Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to handle dispute resolution and adjudication tasks that were previously managed by TRAI.

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