Jio Satellite Communications has requested the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to allow flexible use of spectrum for satellite and mobile phone service networks.
In a letter dated September 5 to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, company Chairman PD Vaghela said technology is evolving that will enable convergence of satellite and terrestrial networks, and therefore the regulator should consider flexible use of radio frequency for terrestrial and satellite services.
Citing an example, Jio Satellite mentioned the decision of the New Zealand government to allow flexible use of high frequencies in the 24-30 GHz band. "The New Zealand government has recognized the need for flexible spectrum use in the wake of imminent technological convergence in telecommunication networks under integrated satellite and terrestrial networks," Jio Satellite said.
“This suggestion for flexible use of spectrum is based upon the latest changes in technology and standards, which have allowed the creation of integrated and converged networks. We reiterate the 3GPP specifications in its Release-17 have already enabled the convergence of satellite and terrestrial network,” the company continued.
Jio has already submitted its comments in response to Trai’s consultation paper on “Assignment of Spectrum for Space-Based Communication Services." The consultation paper for comments closed on June 1.
Jio has been advocating the allocation of spectrum for satellite services through auction only, while satellite service companies have unanimously demanded the allocation of radio frequencies through an administrative methodology.
Satellite companies have argued that they use spectrum on a shared basis based on orbital positions. Jio, however, has backed its argument with the opinions of two retired judges of the Supreme Court (SC), who had suggested that auction was the only mode for the allocation of spectrum meant for commercial purposes. Jio had sought the opinion of the judges based on an SC judgment in the 2G spectrum case.