Jio calls for auction of spectrum for direct-to-device services; telcos split on 6 GHz band

Reliance Jio has urged India’s telecom regulator to auction spectrum for direct-to-device (D2D) services of satellite players like Starlink, arguing it should be treated at par with mobile airwaves.

In its submission to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Jio said that spectrum in the L and S bands, globally used for mobile satellite services, should be included in upcoming auctions.

“These should be treated at par with IMT spectrum and included in the auction,” the company said.

Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have not raised the issues related to satellite services.

India’s new Telecommunications Act, 2023, allows satellite spectrum to be allocated through an administrative process, without auction.

Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea have been opposing allocation of spectrum for satcom service without auction. Bharti Airtel also joined the wagon to oppose allocation of spectrum for satcom services in urban areas.

However, the tone of telecom operators mellowed down after SpaceX CEO Elon Musk took the helm of the temporary advisory body, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the Donald Trump administration.

Both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel joined hands with Musk-led Starlink to sell its services in the country.

Reliance Jio said that the emerging global trend indicates that satellite operators like Starlink are leveraging spectrum in the range across 1600 MHz to 2600 MHz to offer D2D services.

"These operators are ensuring that satellites can be very much like a Base Station in the sky and there is noneed for any device change as these are like just another gNodeB. Another known case is the iPhone tying up for S-band through Globalstar to offer their services globally. Including these bands in the auction will give the global and Indian service providers an option to enter this market with dedicated spectrum capacities," Reliance Jio said.

Telecom companies also differed sharply on how to allocate spectrum in the 6 GHz band, seen as crucial for future 5G and 6G networks.

Jio and Vodafone Idea called for its inclusion in the upcoming auction, while Airtel urged the government to defer its sale, citing immature device ecosystems and interference issues with satellite services.

The government has earmarked 400 MHz of the 6 GHz band for auction, 300 MHz more by 2030, and plans to de-license 500 MHz for WiFi and low-power applications.

Jio, however, has sought the auction of the entire 1,200 MHz spectrum, while Vodafone Idea asked that only the 400 MHz currently available be sold.

Airtel, on the other hand, said approximately 400 MHz is available in India in the 6 GHz band, which limits the potential for efficient utilisation.

"Airtel submits that the inclusion of the 6425–6725 MHz and 7025–7125 MHz bands in the forthcoming IMT (mobile services)auction be deferred until these issues are adequately addressed and a mature ecosystem is established," the company said.

The TRAI consultation comes ahead of India’s next spectrum auction, expected to set the stage for 5G expansion and new satellite-based mobile connectivity services.