India, Dec. 16 -- The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has overturned a decision by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) regarding spectrum charges for satellite communications (satcom) services offered by state-run operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). Under the earlier arrangement, BSNL was required to pay spectrum usage charges equivalent to just 1% of its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) for providing satellite-based services in India.

The DoT had recommended that this pricing structure continue. However, TRAI has disagreed, stating that such an arrangement is not consistent with established regulatory principles. According to TRAI, BSNL should be subject to the same spectrum usage charges as other service provi...