Reliance Jio seeks revision of spectrum rules for fair competition in India

Reliance Jio has requested Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia to intervene with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to revise its consultation paper on spectrum allocation rules. The operator emphasises the urgent need to establish a level-playing field between terrestrial and satellite service providers, especially with new entrants like Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper seeking to enter the Indian market.

Jio warns that Trai’s failure to address competitive dynamics could compromise fair competition and lead to legal challenges, as it may violate Supreme Court rulings emphasising transparency and equity in spectrum allocation. The telecom operator insists that comprehensive assessments of market demand and technological advancements are essential for ensuring fair treatment of all service providers in the allocation process.

Furthermore, Jio criticises the administrative allocation process adopted by the Department of Telecom and Trai for satellite services in India, arguing that it needs more thorough analysis and stakeholder input. The company firmly rejects any preferential treatment for satellite communication services, asserting that such an approach undermines the principles of non-discrimination and fairness.

Jio calls for spectrum assignment policies to align with established legal standards, ensuring that all players, regardless of whether they provide terrestrial or satellite services, are subject to the same fair and transparent regulatory framework.