Your smartphone may soon work even without mobile towers:TRAI’s proposed 20-year satellite licence; will existing devices get satellite connectivity?

Even in the mountains, forests, or remote areas, your phone will no longer lose network connectivity when there is no mobile tower. India’s telecom regulator, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), has recommended new rules that would allow your smartphone to connect directly to satellites in space. Under this new system, telecom companies such as Jio and Airtel will not need to set up their own expensive satellite systems. They will be able to rent the networks of satellite-manufacturing companies and provide services to customers. For this, companies will be given licences to operate nationwide for 20 years. Key details of TRAI’s recommendations What is Direct-to-Device satellite connectivity? Direct-to-Device, or D2D, technology allows compatible smartphones to connect directly to satellites. Currently, mobile phones mainly depend on nearby towers to make calls, send messages, and access mobile networks. In places where towers are unavailable, or signals are weak, users may struggle to stay connected. Satellite-based D2D services could provide another way to connect, especially in remote and difficult-to-reach locations. This would not mean that mobile towers will become unnecessary, but it could reduce dependence on them in areas with poor coverage. TRAI proposes two ways to connect smartphones to satellites TRAI has recommended two types of D2D satellite connectivity for India: 1. MSS-based satellite connectivity MSS stands for Mobile Satellite Service. Under this system, compatible smartphones can communicate directly with satellites using specific frequency bands, including L-band and S-band. TRAI has recommended allowing these services in India. It has also suggested encouraging smartphone manufacturers to include the required hardware in future devices so they can support satellite connectivity. This means that not every smartphone currently available in the market will be able to use the service. 2. IMT-based satellite connectivity The second option uses IMT spectrum, which is also associated with traditional mobile networks. IMT stands for International Mobile Telecommunications. Under this system, satellites can use certain mobile frequency bands to connect directly with compatible devices. TRAI has recommended allowing this service on a non-interference and non-protection basis. In simple terms, satellite services must not disrupt existing mobile network operations. The frequency bands proposed for this purpose include 600MHz, 700MHz, 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz. Will existing smartphones get satellite connectivity?
Not necessarily. Smartphones need compatible hardware and support for the required frequency bands to connect directly to satellites. TRAI has suggested that manufacturers should be encouraged to include support for relevant satellite bands in future smartphones sold in India. The availability of the service will also depend on the government’s final decision, satellite infrastructure and partnerships between satellite network providers and telecom companies. What is TRAI’s proposed 20-year satellite licence? TRAI has also recommended a new authorisation called the Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. This would allow authorised companies to provide satellite network infrastructure and capacity to eligible telecom operators. The proposed authorisation would cover the entire country and remain valid for 20 years. It could also be renewed for up to another 20 years. Under the proposed Satellite Communication Network as a Service (SCNaaS) model, satellite network providers would work as infrastructure partners. They would supply network capacity to licensed telecom operators instead of offering retail mobile services directly to consumers. What does this mean for mobile users in India?
If the proposal is implemented, satellite connectivity could help improve communication in areas where traditional mobile networks have limited reach. It may also be useful during emergencies, natural disasters, and travel through remote locations. However, users should not expect every smartphone to connect to satellites immediately. The recommendations still need to go through the government’s approval and rule-making process.