Battle For Satellite Internet Begins In India: Jio, Vi Demand Auction Of Spectrum, Airtel Is Silent

The three leading telecom operators of India are now in a conflict about the issuing of spectrum allocation which is for introducing the satellite communications (Satcom) in India. 

Recently, a big group of Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have been given the permission to conduct trials for the use and application of 5G technology by The Department of Telecommunications (DoT)

These include some big names, such as Bharti Airtel Ltd., Reliance JioInfocomm Ltd., Vodafone Idea Ltd., and MTNL.

What is the conflict about? Read on to find out!

Reliance Jio And Vodafone Idea In Favor Of Auctioning 5G

On one hand, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea want the spectrum to be auctioned off, whereas, Airtel is not taking any stand on the issue.

As we all know, a headstart in satellite communication services is an upside for telecom operators for two reasons, the first being that 5G services will be dependent on it. The second reason is that the Internet of Things (IoT) is also dependent on satellites. 

As per reports, Jio has said that any spectrum band that can be used for mobile or other competing services should be allocated through auctions. Jio also states that terrestrial and satellite operators should be allowed to participate in such auction so that they can have the liberty to use the spectrum for both  terrestrial or satellite-based network.

As per Jio, “Further, assignment of even Ka/Ku/C band spectrum for Geo/Meo satellite must be done through auction only.”

Whereas, Vi has also vouched for auction stating that auctioning the spectrum will make sure for the optimum utilization of the natural resource.

Google, Apple Oppose Jio And Vodafone Idea

On the other hand, Broadband India Forum, an industry association of tech majors like Google, Hughes, Apple, etc. is not in favour of Jio and Vi’s opinion.

As per Broadband India Forum (BIF) president, TV Ramachandran, “Auctioning of satellite spectrum would, by the same logic, entail the taking back of all backhaul microwave spectrum and all Wifi spectrum, and auctioning them, which would patently disrupt all connectivity and the economy.”

As of now, Bharti backed-OneWeb, as well as Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Amazon, and now US’ Viasat are all working on their plans to launch Satcom in India