TRAI Proposes New Spectrum Fee for Satellite Internet

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed a 4% annual revenue levy on satellite-based internet providers like Starlink. Additional charges will apply for urban area services. Spectrum use will have a five-year term, with possible extensions of two years.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has put forward a proposal for a 4% levy on annual revenues for satellite-based internet providers such as Elon Musk's Starlink.

According to TRAI's recommendations, operators offering services in urban areas will incur additional annual costs of Rs 500 per subscriber.

The regulatory authority suggested a five-year spectrum allotment, which could be extended by another two years, applying to both geostationary and non-geostationary orbit operators with a minimum annual spectrum charge of Rs 3,500 per MHz.

(With inputs from agencies.)