Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday said that the government will take a final decision on satellite spectrum allocation once Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) submits its recommendations.
In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Scindia said the Department of Telecommunications and TRAI are currently discussing how satellite spectrum should be allocated, what pricing framework should apply and what conditions companies will need to follow.
He said the idea is to build a stable, long-term policy as satellite services become more important for remote connectivity.
The minister added that the Centre is also examining ways to support companies providing satellite-based internet in rural and remote areas, where costs are far higher than traditional mobile networks. The government, he added, is considering subsidy options to help operators who serve areas that are otherwise difficult to reach.
Linking connectivity and digital safety, Scindia defended the Centre’s SIM-binding mandate for messaging apps. “We cannot look away when Indians are losing tens of thousands of crores to digital fraud,” he said. He confirmed that the government will ask smartphone makers to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on devices to help users track and block stolen phones.
On Vodafone Idea, Scindia said the government is reviewing the Supreme Court ruling that allows the company to seek a reassessment of its AGR dues. The DoT is waiting for a formal request from Vodafone Idea and will decide its next steps after examining it.
He made it clear that the ruling applies only to Vodafone Idea and said the Centre will not increase its stake in the company beyond 49%.
