Department of Telecommunications
3 checked stories, newest 5 Nov 2026.
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TRAI recommends new authorisation for satellite network providers
The telecom regulator TRAI suggested a new kind of licence for firms that run satellite networks and rent them to phone companies. The government must accept it before it takes effect.
Exam angle, detailsExam angle: Regulator roles and the Telecommunications Act, 2023 can be asked.
Details
The telecom regulator TRAI released recommendations on 5 November 2026 for a new Satellite Communication Network Provider authorisation under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Such a licence holder would run the ground network and rent capacity to licensed telecom companies. The recommendations are not binding unless the Department of Telecommunications accepts them.
- TRAI released its recommendations on 5 November 2026
- It proposes a Satellite Communication Network (SCN) Provider authorisation under the Telecommunications Act, 2023
- The holder would run the ground segment and rent the network to licensed telecom companies, who sell the service to customers
- The recommendations are not binding and take effect only if the Department of Telecommunications accepts them
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DCC clears satellite spectrum framework, moving Starlink closer to India launch
Revise first Space missions were asked in CLAT 2024 and AILET 2023 and 2024
The telecom department's top decision body approved most of regulator TRAI's advice on giving satellite firms like Starlink and OneWeb spectrum to offer internet in India. The Cabinet must approve next; services cannot start yet.
Exam angle, detailsExam angle: TRAI is the telecom regulator (set up 1997). The Telecommunications Act 2023 allows spectrum assignment without auction for satellites.
Details
The Digital Communications Commission, then the top decision body of the Department of Telecommunications (dissolved by a DoT resolution dated 19 September 2026), approved most of TRAI's recommendations on assigning satellite spectrum administratively. The framework now goes to the Union Cabinet. Starlink, OneWeb and Jio's satellite venture still need spectrum assignment and final security clearance before commercial service.
- DCC meeting on 3 September 2026 approved most TRAI recommendations on satcom spectrum
- Next step is Union Cabinet approval of the pricing and allocation framework
- Spectrum assignment proposed for five years, extendable by two
- Starlink holds a GMPCS licence from DoT (June 2025) and IN-SPACe authorisation (July 2025)
- Services cannot start before spectrum assignment and the second stage of security clearance
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Centre withdraws order to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on phones
The government had ordered phone makers to pre-load its Sanchar Saathi safety app on every new phone. After privacy complaints it dropped the order on 3 December 2025 and kept the app voluntary.
Exam angle, detailsExam angle: Links to the right to privacy (Puttaswamy 2017, Article 21); Sanchar Saathi was launched in 2023.
Details
The Department of Telecommunications had ordered handset makers to pre-install the government cyber-safety app Sanchar Saathi on all new phones. After a privacy backlash the government withdrew the mandate on 3 December, saying the app would remain voluntary.
- DoT directive dated 28 November 2025 asked phone makers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi
- Mandate withdrawn 3 December 2025 after privacy backlash
- Government cited surge in voluntary sign-ups (about 6 lakh in one day)
- Minister of Communications: Jyotiraditya Scindia