Starlink Closer to Launch in India After Regulatory Nod
Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet venture, has received preliminary approval to operate in India. This marks a significant step towards entering the world's second-largest internet market.
The Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently granted Starlink permission to begin the compliance process. This follows the publication of India's Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) rules, outlining security guidelines for satellite operators.
Regulatory Hurdles Remain
While this approval is a major milestone, Starlink still faces several regulatory hurdles. The company must demonstrate compliance with licensing requirements, including those related to content censorship and traffic interception. Additionally, clearance from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) is required to enable satellite-based communication services.
Full rollout is estimated to take six to nine months. This approval comes after Starlink partnered with Indian telecom giants Airtel and Reliance Jio. However, standalone regulatory approvals were still necessary.
Previous Setbacks and Current Landscape
In 2022, Starlink faced setbacks for launching services prematurely in India without necessary licenses, leading to pre-order refunds. The current regulatory environment appears more favorable. Recent meetings between Indian officials and Starlink executives, including a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Elon Musk, signal a positive shift.
Competition and Spectrum Allocation
Starlink will face competition from established players like OneWeb and Jio SpaceFiber, who already have necessary approvals. Amazon's Project Kuiper is also seeking to enter the Indian market. The Indian government has yet to finalize spectrum allocation details and associated fees for satellite internet providers.
The official launch of Starlink in India, while not immediate, now seems more likely than ever. This development promises to bring increased internet access to India's vast population, with nearly half a billion people still offline.
