DCC approves satellite spectrum pricing for Jio, Starlink, OneWeb

New Delhi: India's Digital Communications Commission (DCC) has approved satellite spectrum pricing and other terms and conditions, paving the way for allocation of airwaves to Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite, among operators.

Officials told ET the DCC, the highest decision-making body of Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has approved the proposal to charge 5% adjusted gross revenue (AGR) as spectrum fee for satcom firms. Firms will get 1 percentage point reduction in spectrum charges for serving notified rural and remote areas.

ET reported last week about the DCC meeting to decide on the issue.


"A Cabinet note is now being prepared, and a final decision will be taken soon," said an official on condition of anonymity.

In addition to spectrum, satellite companies require other approvals, including security clearance, for starting satcom services in India. Operators like Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite have secured satcom permits and authorisation from the country's space regulator but haven't been able to launch services due to the absence of spectrum allocation and security approvals.