Phones may soon connect directly to satellites as DoT plans D2D satcom services framework

Telecom connectivity could become ubiquitous even in the remotest corners of the country if a plan by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to allow phones to connect to satellite communications is implemented. DoT proposes to ask the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) for recommendations on a framework for direct-to-device (D2D) satcom services, including pricing and other details, said people with knowledge of the matter.

Once rolled out, connectivity on phones through satellites will be as seamless as 4G or 5G cell technology. In the absence of a regulatory framework, such services are currently not allowed in India.

However, the US, Canada and Australia are among those that have adopted rules for supplementing phone coverage through satcom services. In the US, Elon Musk-owned Starlink has partnered with telecom operator T-Mobile to provide D2D service, enabling phones to connect directly with Starlink satellites for connectivity in remote areas that lack cell coverage. To be sure, telcos in India have long been citing D2D services as a potential threat to their business.

Consultations with Stakeholders
They have been pushing for such operators to be subject to the same rules as them in case the government allows satellite firms to offer mobile connectivity directly to consumers. After a reference is sent to Trai regarding D2D service, the regulator will hold consultations with all stakeholders, including telcos, satcom firms and others before finalising its views.

“Trai will be asked to provide details about IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) mobile spectrum bands for D2D services, financial conditions as well as technical conditions to prevent interference with terrestrial networks,” said an official. DoT is also in consultations with companies in order to better understand D2D services and their views will also be considered before a formal request is made to Trai for recommendations, said the people cited.

While satcom communication services are already offered in India in a limited manner through firms such as Hughes, Nelco and BSNL among others, wider uptake will take place when Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, Amazon Kuiper, Jio Satellite and others come into the market. However, these firms will only be allowed to offer fixed satellite services that can be accessed by installing satellite terminals, similar to the fixed broadband and WiFi services offered by telecom firms using modems and routers.

“The D2D service, however, will allow connectivity directly on the mobile phone anywhere and without the need for a satellite terminal,” said an expert. The service is likely to be disruptive as the cost won’t be that high for consumers, unlike fixed services, where users have to buy pricey satellite terminals ranging upwards of Rs 30,000 to access services at one site. Experts said two types of D2D service have emerged — one uses satellite spectrum and the other terrestrial or mobile spectrum.

For instance, Apple and Globalstar provide a proprietary service using satellite spectrum while Starlink ties up with telcos to offer services using IMT mobile spectrum. Satcom firms such as AST SpaceMobile, Viasat and others also plan to offer D2D services.

D2D service is expected to pick up pace globally in a few years when the International Telecom Union (ITU) identifies spectrum bands for it at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27), set to be held in October-November 2027.