Lower Charges For BSNL Unfair To New MSS Players, Says TRAI

New Delhi, Dec 15 (KNN) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has objected against lowering spectrum charges proposed for state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) satellite services.

TRAI Rejects Lower Charges for BSNL

Earlier this year, TRAI had recommended that spectrum charges for both Geostationary Orbit (GSO) and Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO)-based Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) should be levied at 4 per cent of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), reported TOI.

Examining these recommendations, Department of telecommunications (DoT) suggested that BSNL’s Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS) may continue to be charged at a lower rate of 1 per cent of AGR, citing its role in providing services for ‘strategic purposes’.

TRAI replied to the suggestion, stating that extending a lower charge to a single service provider would be unfair to MSS companies entering the satellite communication space.

TRAI further noted that other telecom service providers may also offer services for strategic or emergency use, and there is currently no framework for differential spectrum charges based on the nature of service or the service provider.

Context of Earlier Concessions

TRAI pointed out that the 1 per cent spectrum charge for BSNL’s satellite services was recommended in December 2018 under a ‘sui-generis’ category, when BSNL was the sole operator and satellite phone services were primarily used by government agencies in remote and inaccessible areas.

(KNN Bureau)