Regulators
TRAI extends deadline for satellite spectrum consultation comments
New dates set as 13 May and 27 May after industry seeks more time.
MUMBAI: Looks like the satellite conversation needed a little more airtime. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the deadlines for stakeholder responses to its consultation paper on the Framework for Satellite Communication Network Authorisation and spectrum assignment. The move comes after multiple industry bodies sought additional time to weigh in on what could be a defining policy for India’s satcom future.
Originally released on 8 April 2026, the consultation paper invited comments by 6 May and counter-comments by 20 May. These timelines have now been pushed to 13 May 2026 and 27 May 2026, respectively.
The extension signals both the complexity and the growing significance of satellite communications in India’s evolving digital ecosystem. With global players and domestic stakeholders closely watching regulatory developments, the consultation is expected to shape how spectrum is allocated and how satellite network providers operate in the country.
TRAI has encouraged submissions in electronic format, with comments and counter-comments to be sent via email. The authority has also designated Advisor (Networks, Spectrum & Licensing), Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, as the point of contact for any clarifications.
At a time when satellite broadband, direct-to-device connectivity and space-based networks are moving from concept to commercial reality, the extra week may give stakeholders just enough room to fine-tune their arguments.
Because when it comes to spectrum from space, every submission counts and now, there’s a little more time to get it right.
