Reliance Jio Requests Revised Spectrum Allocation Rules

Reliance Jio has requested Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia to intervene with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) regarding the consultation paper on spectrum allocation, emphasizing the need for a level playing field between terrestrial and satellite communication providers. In a letter dated October 10, Jio raised concerns that Trai's current consultation fails to consider critical issues related to market parity, which could lead to legal disputes, referencing the Supreme Court's 2G judgement. The letter follows Trai's earlier rejection of Jio's request to address these issues, despite the Department of Telecommunications recognizing the need for fairness. Jio highlighted that global satellite companies like Starlink and Amazon's Kuiper are looking to enter the Indian market, which necessitates a transparent auction system for equitable competition. The Broadband India Forum has contested Jio's arguments for a level playing field, claiming they reflect a misunderstanding of technology and law. Jio's initiative aims to ensure that stakeholder opinions are included in the spectrum allocation process.