Telecom operators are pressing the department of telecommunications (DoT) to ensure a level regulatory playing field for satellite communication (satcom) and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, saying existing rules need to evolve in line with the digital economy.“Satcom is complementary, not competing. It can help extend coverage in rural areas faster and cheaper.

But it must operate under the same rules if it’s offering the same services,” SP Kochhar, director general, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), told FE. COAI’s members include private telecom majors Bharti Airtel , Reliance Jio , and Vodafone Idea.

The push comes as global satellite players such as Eutelsat OneWeb, Jio-SES, and Starlink prepare to enter the broadband market, with their licences ready for rollout. Tel

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