Elon Musk's Starlink Reportedly Receives Licence to Launch Services in India
Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, has reportedly received key governmental approval to begin offering services in India, clearing a significant regulatory hurdle after a nearly two-year application process. According to reports from news agencies PTI and Reuters citing sources, this license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) positions Starlink to enter the country's burgeoning satellite communications market.
With this approval, Starlink becomes the third company to be granted this type of license, following Eutelsat’s OneWeb and the satellite arm of Reliance Jio. The company can now proceed with preparations to offer high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity across India using its extensive constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites. This development is seen as particularly crucial for providing reliable internet access to remote and rural areas where traditional terrestrial networks have limited reach.
Starlink initially applied for its license in 2022, but the process faced delays reportedly due to various governmental considerations, including national security. The approval also follows a recent policy debate regarding the allocation of satellite spectrum. Starlink, along with some other global operators, advocated for direct administrative assignment of the necessary radio waves, while competitors like Reliance Jio pushed for an auction-based model. The Indian government ultimately sided with the view of direct assignment.
While neither Starlink nor the Department of Telecommunications has issued an official public statement yet, this approval marks a major milestone. It not only paves the way for increased competition and innovation in India's digital landscape but also holds the promise of transforming connectivity for millions in underserved regions across the country. Meanwhile, Amazon’s competing satellite internet project, Kuiper, is still understood to be awaiting its approval from the Indian government.
Picture source: Broadcast and Cableset
