Starlink has agreed to the Indian government’s conditions for launching satellite broadband services. This includes storing user data in India and allowing intelligence agencies to access it if needed, as required by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Request for Relaxation
In a letter to the DoT, Starlink asked for some conditions to be relaxed over time once its application is approved. The government is still reviewing the application, but has made it clear it won’t ease rules for companies like Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper.
Satellite Spectrum Allocation Plans
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is finalizing plans for allocating satellite spectrum, and services are expected to launch by the end of the year. Trai has also proposed merging GMPCS and VSAT licenses into one for satellite telecom services.
Telecom Operators’ Concerns
Telecom companies, including Jio, are pushing for a level playing field with satellite operators, fearing competition in urban areas. Jio has advocated for auctions for satellite spectrum, but the government plans to proceed with an administrative allocation.
High Pricing and Limited Impact on Telecom
Satellite internet services like Starlink’s are much more expensive than Indian broadband plans. Analysts believe satellite internet poses limited risk to telecom operators, as home broadband services contribute only a small part of their earnings.
Kuiper’s Slow Progress
Amazon’s Kuiper is moving slowly on its application in India, mainly because its satellite constellation hasn’t launched yet. Although satellite internet might challenge telecom companies in the future, it faces hurdles in pricing and service limitations.
