TRAI releases a consultation paper on the Framework for Satellite Communication Network Authorisation, and Assignment of Spectrum to Satellite Communication Network Providers

• TRAI consultation paper (released 08 April 2026) on operationalising a new Satellite Communication Network (SCN) Authorisation under Section 3(1)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, covering both authorisation terms and spectrum assignment for feeder link and user link.
• Marks the shift from licensing regime (Indian Telegraph Act, 1885) to the authorisation regime of the 2023 Act, with satellite spectrum administratively assigned (not auctioned) per the First Schedule.
• Critical for UPSC: intersects GS-II (statutory bodies, regulation) and GS-III (space, IT, infrastructure) as India operationalises its space-comm market (Starlink, OneWeb/Eutelsat, Jio-SES, Amazon Kuiper).