The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on November 5, 2026, released recommendations on a framework for Satellite Communication Network (SCN) provider authorisation and spectrum assignment. The recommendations propose a new authorisation category for satellite network providers, who would supply network capacity to eligible telecom service providers rather than directly serve users. Alongside the proposed framework, TRAI has set out security conditions governing network control, monitoring, gateway infrastructure and the use of satellite networks for cross-border services.

Network Control Facilities Must Be Located in India: TRAI has recommended that the operation, maintenance and control facilities for an SCN provider’s satellite communication network be located in India. The requirement would also cover user terminals belonging to partnering authorised entities that connect to the provider’s network.

SCN providers must ensure that their networks are used only to deliver telecommunications services for which the partnering entity holds authorisation. They must also prevent their networks from being used for unauthorised activities, including surveillance and electronic warfare, or in a manner that could prejudice India’s sovereignty and security.

The recommendations further require SCN providers to report to the Central Government any attempt to access or use their satellite networks through a user terminal that is not registered with the partnering entity. The report must include information about the terminal and its location.

To meet this requirement, providers must undertake the technical measures necessary to identify and report such attempts. However, TRAI has not prescribed a specific technology, protocol or authentication mechanism for detecting unregistered terminals.

Government Can Direct Security Measures For Satellite Gateways: TRAI has proposed that SCN providers submit the location and technical details of each satellite earth station gateway to the Central Government or a designated agency before establishing it. The government or agency may examine the submitted information and direct the provider to take specific actions in relation to the gateway’s establishment.

The recommendations also require SCN providers to furnish information and conduct interference-monitoring tests, as well as implement mitigation measures, as directed by the government. These provisions would give the government a role in reviewing gateway infrastructure before it is set up and in requiring operational measures where necessary.

Separately, TRAI has recommended that SCN providers offer a real-time traffic monitoring facility to ensure compliance with requirements governing Indian user traffic. This includes restrictions on routing traffic through foreign gateways and on mirroring Indian traffic to foreign satellite or telecom networks.

The recommendations also state that user terminals connected to a partnering authorised entity must not communicate directly through satellites without routing via a satellite earth station gateway. These conditions form part of the technical and operating obligations proposed for SCN provider authorisation.

Direct Terminal Communication And Interference: TRAI has proposed that SCN providers prevent direct communication between two or more user terminals through one or more satellites unless the traffic passes through a satellite earth station gateway. This would apply to terminals connected to partnering authorised entities.

The recommendations also require SCN providers to furnish information and conduct interference-monitoring tests whenever the Central Government requires them to. Providers must take all necessary measures directed by the government to mitigate interference.

These conditions would place responsibility on SCN providers to ensure that satellite network traffic follows the prescribed gateway architecture and that interference can be monitored and addressed through measures mandated by the government.

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