The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced draft rules for administratively allocating spectrum under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. These rules outline eligibility criteria, spectrum charges, and assignment conditions for various telecom and satellite communication services. Notably, the proposed framework does not encompass satellite broadband operators like Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Reliance Jio’s satellite internet business, necessitating a separate policy framework for their spectrum allocation and pricing.
The draft rules, now open for public consultation, primarily focus on traditional satellite communication services such as Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) operators, Direct-to-Home (DTH) platforms, teleports, broadcasters, and satellite phone services managed by state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). Additionally, the framework extends to spectrum administratively assigned to government-owned telecom entities BSNL and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).
Under the administrative spectrum allocation route, specific eligibility conditions, charges, and assignment terms will be enforced in accordance with the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has requested feedback from stakeholders on the draft rules, allowing a 30-day window for comments before finalizing the framework.
The government’s emphasis on digital initiatives is evident in the increasing adoption of telecom and internet services nationwide. Broadband subscribers in the country rose from 1,059.05 million in February 2026 to 1,065.88 million by March 2026. The telecom sector has experienced robust competition, with March 2026 witnessing 14.63 million mobile number portability (MNP) requests. Moreover, the active wireless subscriber count, based on peak Visitor Location Register (VLR) data, reached 1,185.60 million, underscoring the extensive digital connectivity landscape in India. Public sector entities like BSNL, MTNL, and APSFL collectively held nearly 19% of the wireline market share.
