Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday introduced that Starlink is ready to turn into the third satellite tv for pc web service firm to obtain a license to function in India, based on an ANI report. The license shall be issued by the Division of Telecommunications (DoT) within the coming days. Up to now, Bharti Group-backed OneWeb and Reliance Jio have been granted licenses for offering satellite-based web companies within the nation.
Additionally Learn: Starlink Could Launch Sub-USD10 Satellite tv for pc Web Plans in India
Authorities Confirms License Will Be Issued Quickly
“Within the coming days, the third license [to Starlink] shall be offered. And after this, the federal government will present the spectrum. Subsequently, satellite tv for pc telecom companies shall be absolutely operational within the nation at a fast tempo. I’m certain the shopper base in India will develop considerably,” Scindia mentioned throughout an interplay with the media, based on the report.
Describing Starlink’s companies as “a brand new flower within the telecom bouquet,” the minister highlighted the evolution of India’s telecom infrastructure, from fixed-line to cellular, broadband, and now satellite-based connectivity.
Scindia asserted that web penetration can solely be elevated by way of satellite tv for pc communication companies, particularly in distant areas the place laying wires and putting in towers can be troublesome.
Additionally Learn: TRAI Says Satcom Companies Complement and Do Not Compete With Terrestrial Networks
Collaborations with Airtel and Jio
Starlink can also be forming strategic partnerships with Indian telecom firms Airtel and Jio to advertise its companies. Beneath these collaborations, Starlink will leverage the distribution and dealership networks of those firms to achieve prospects throughout the nation.
In mid-April, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met a delegation from Starlink to debate the corporate’s know-how platform, current partnerships, and future funding plans in India.
Regulatory Clearances
“Starlink was given time until June 7 to satisfy compliance after the LoI was issued final month on Could 7. That they had already submitted the required security-related necessities to satisfy the brand new license circumstances, and had given undertakings on different pointers…they may get the license inside this month,” a senior official instructed Moneycontrol.
As soon as Starlink secures the GMPCS license, SpaceX will want approval from the Indian house regulator, In-SPACe, for authorization of Starlink’s companies. The satcom participant’s utility at In-SPACe is presently in its closing stage, and approval from the inter-ministerial standing committee (IMC) will observe as soon as it secures the GMPCS license.
This step will speed up the launch of Starlink’s satellite tv for pc broadband companies in India. Following the In-SPACe clearance, the corporate will obtain a provisional spectrum allocation.
“They’ll nonetheless want to finish a number of procedural steps, together with organising gateways, a Community Operations Centre, and making certain lawful interception capabilities. It should take at the very least 9 months earlier than they’ll start business satellite tv for pc communication companies in India,” the individual mentioned, based on the report.
Additionally Learn: Starlink Secures LoI for GMPCS Licence, Nears India Entry
Kuiper’s Utility Nonetheless Beneath Assessment
“Kuiper remains to be distant from getting the LoI. It wrote a letter to DoT in February looking for an replace on its utility, having fulfilled all circumstances. It sought an replace from the DoT if extra data is required,” the report quoted a second supply as saying.
The individual reportedly added that Kuiper’s utility shall be mentioned throughout the subsequent inter-ministerial standing committee assembly. “There was no assembly since December 2024, therefore no progress on Kuiper’s utility. With out the inter-ministerial standing committee assembly, a LoI cannot be issued.”
The e-commerce main nonetheless doesn’t have protection over India. “They need to safe all approvals earlier than providing business companies. By the point Starlink is ready to supply business companies in India in round 8-9 months, Kuiper may also be prepared as its satellite tv for pc launch is underway,” the second individual added, based on the report.
The Division of Telecommunications (DoT) is presently reviewing pricing suggestions from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
Rural Connectivity and Digital Inclusion
The entry of Starlink is anticipated to bolster India’s efforts to boost connectivity in rural and distant areas, enhance service high quality, and supply options the place standard telecom infrastructure stays insufficient.
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