Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized on Tuesday that Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, must address all regulatory and security concerns before being granted a licence to operate in India. “We are ready to give a licence to anyone, including Starlink, but they must comply with all our concerns,” Scindia told reporters. He added, “There is a specific format to be followed. Once all the requirements are met, the licence will be issued.”
Government’s Scrutiny of Starlink’s Operations
Scindia highlighted that Starlink is currently working on fulfilling the regulatory requirements. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has already raised several concerns with Starlink, requesting clarifications on critical issues such as data storage protocols and the company’s shareholding patterns, particularly regarding investments linked to U.S. security agencies.
Additionally, Starlink has been asked to provide detailed information about its planned geographical coverage in India, including specific latitude and longitude coordinates for terminals located near border areas. The company must comply with security protocols that require these terminals to cease communication if there are changes in their geographical position to prevent potential misuse.
These stipulations are part of a broader compliance framework that all satellite communication providers must follow to obtain a licence in India, covering data handling, coverage areas, and security protocols.
Debate Over Spectrum Allocation Intensifies
A key issue in Starlink’s entry into India is the ongoing debate over the allocation of satellite spectrum. Scindia noted that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) would offer clarity on this matter. The debate has seen traditional telecom operators, like Reliance Jio and Airtel, push for a spectrum auction process, arguing it would ensure fair competition. However, satellite internet providers prefer an administrative allocation model, which they believe aligns with international practices.
Scindia has previously stated that the allocation of spectrum for satellite broadband in India will follow an administrative route rather than auctions, in accordance with guidelines from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). He pointed out, “I cannot think of a single country that auctions spectrum for satellite,” reinforcing his stance in an interview with PTI. Elon Musk reacted positively to this approach, describing it as “promising” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Currently, satellite broadband services have not yet commenced in India, as the government awaits TRAI’s recommendations on spectrum pricing and allocation. The ongoing discussions are crucial for determining how new entrants like Starlink will integrate into India’s satellite internet market.
Once Starlink complies with all regulatory requirements and addresses the government’s security concerns, it will be eligible for a licence, potentially expanding competition in the growing satellite broadband sector. Only two firms, Bharti Group-backed OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications (a joint venture with SES), currently hold licences to operate satellite internet services in the country.
