New Delhi. Controversy over allocation of satellite spectrum has increased in the Indian Mobile Congress. Differences have emerged between global players and Indian telecom companies. While international companies like Starlink and Amazon are in favor of administrative allocation, Reliance and Bharti Enterprises have stressed the need for allocation of spectrum through auction. Both sides say that this process will help in providing equal opportunities to all.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the government will not give free satellite spectrum to anyone. He clearly said that TRAI will prepare a formula to decide its price and the allocation of spectrum will be done under the Telecom Act only. On this occasion, Scindia also mentioned India’s progress in 5G. He said that India has extended 5G services to 98 percent of the districts and 90 percent of the villages in 21 months. India will lead the world in 6G, as we were behind the world in 4G and with the world in 5G.
Scindia criticized the tariff increase by telecom companies. He said that in the last 10 years, the telecom network has grown by 1400 percent, the price of voice call has come down from 51 paise to 3 paise. Additionally, Rs 4.26 lakh crore has been invested for the transition from 4G to 5G and returns on this investment should come over time.