Draft Rules Require Security Clearance for Satellite Firms Post Spectrum Allocation
The Department of Telecom's draft Telecommunications (Spectrum Assignment by Administrative Process) Rules, 2026, propose that satellite communication companies must obtain security clearance even after spectrum allocation to provide services. Spectrum will be assigned administratively without auction, with annual fees ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50 lakh per terminal. Public rollout of satellite phone and broadband services by firms like Starlink, OneWeb, and Jio Satcom will require central government approval, aiming to address security concerns while streamlining processes.