STARLINK SATCOM PERMIT
Rapido’s fresh funding; Starlink’s gotcha moment
Rapido has bagged fresh capital from an investor ahead of its food delivery rollout. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Satcom permit may force Starlink to share information on illegal kits seized
India's security agencies have pointed out the misuse of Starlink devices in Indian territory, especially in the border areas, officials said. But the Musk company hasn't been cooperating in sharing details of those devices. Officials said Starlink asked the security agencies to put their requests either via the US law enforcement or international protocols.
Starlink becomes latest entrant to get a satcom licence in India
Elon Musk's Starlink has secured a crucial licence from India's telecoms ministry. This approval removes a significant obstacle. It brings Starlink closer to launching commercial services in India. Starlink joins OneWeb and Reliance Jio. These companies have already received similar approvals. They are set to provide services across the nation.
Starlink to get licence to operate in India soon: Jyotiraditya Scindia
Starlink is nearing final approval to operate in India, following the issuance of a Letter of Intent. OneWeb and Reliance already hold licenses, with Starlink expected to undergo testing after approvals. Project Kuiper is also eyeing entry, while TRAI has set spectrum charges, sparking debate over fairness compared to terrestrial networks.
Satcom plans may come in at less than Rs 840 a month
Satellite communication providers like Starlink may introduce promotional unlimited data plans in India for under $10 per month, aiming for a large user base to offset high spectrum costs. However, capacity constraints of satellite constellations could hinder Starlink's market share ambitions in India, despite low pricing strategies. Satcom broadband remains significantly pricier than terrestrial options, posing a challenge for competitiveness.
New telecom policy targets 2x export growth, one million jobs by 2030
India's upcoming National Telecom Policy (NTP) aims to double telecom exports and achieve universal connectivity by 2030. The policy targets increasing the ICT sector's GDP contribution to 11% and attracting significant investment in telecom infrastructure. Focus will be on job creation in emerging technologies and integrating satellite networks to expand services, ensuring 4G/5G coverage and fiber connectivity across the nation.
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Make space! Jeff Bezos’ Project Kuiper eyes India’s satellite internet market after Musk’s Starlink
Jeff Bezos' Project Kuiper is seeking expedited approval from the Department of Telecommunications to enter India's satellite internet market, following in the footsteps of Elon Musk's Starlink. Kuiper plans a significant presence with 10 gateways and two points of presence, aiming to launch commercial services later this year.
DoT to soon roll out rules to allocate satellite spectrum
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is nearing completion of satellite spectrum allocation rules, with a draft expected soon for stakeholder input. Spectrum sharing will likely follow a first-come, first-served approach under the Telecommunications Act. While pricing awaits cabinet approval, the move aims for prompt service commencement, benefiting companies like Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-SES.
Elon Musk's Starlink on track for India entry after clearing DoT licence hurdle
Starlink has received a letter of intent from the DoT for a satcom license, marking progress in its plan to offer satellite broadband services in India. This followed Starlink's agreement to comply with security conditions, with some initially proposed rules being dropped.
Apple plan to make India a manufacturing hub makes economic sense: Jyotiraditya Scindia
India is in the final stages of approving Starlink, but the Elon Musk-owned company is expected to play a minor role in connectivity compared to traditional telecom providers, according to Minister Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced Apple's plan to shift its entire mobile phone production to India.
India tightens satcom rules: Starlink, OneWeb, Jio-SES must meet 30 security norms to offer services
The telecom department has reinforced security for satcom permits in India, mandating stringent conditions for companies like Starlink and Jio-SES. These include local data centers, phased manufacturing, and NavIC-based positioning. The updated norms address inter-satellite links and mobility, ensuring data security and preventing unauthorized access, reflecting national security concerns.
Satcom companies urge DoT for quick spectrum allotment
The satcom industry is urging the DoT to expedite provisional satellite spectrum allocation, enabling Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio-SES to launch commercial satellite internet services in India. ISpA and BIF have requested DoT to mandate satcom players to undertake spectrum charges from the date of provisional assignment for commercial usage.
Won't raise stake in Vodafone Idea, telco must clear government dues: Jyotiraditya Scindia
Jyotiraditya Scindia clarifies the government will not increase its stake in Vodafone Idea. The aim is to prevent it from becoming a state-run entity. Starlink's permit is pending as it needs to meet all guidelines. The government is working towards making India Post profitable in the next five to six years.
Globalstar, Apple's satcom partner, joins the race to enter India's space communications market
Globalstar, Apple's satcom partner, seeks regulatory approval to offer services in India, joining Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon Kuiper, and Reliance Jio in the space communications market race. Globalstar has applied to IN-SPACe for authorization and is expected to apply for a GMPCS license. The company has also secured test spectrum for disaster management demonstrations.
Amazon-backed Project Kuiper’s first full-scale LEO satellite launch on April 9
Amazon-backed Project Kuiper is set to deploy its first batch of LEO satellites on April 9 via a ULA Atlas V rocket. This mission marks a significant step toward providing global high-speed satellite internet, with initial service expected by year-end. Pending regulatory approvals in India, Kuiper plans extensive launches to support its over 3,200-satellite network.
ET Graphics: Elon Musk’s Starlink: Redefining connectivity in India
With Elon Musk’s Starlink now appearing set to get permits to launch its satcom services in India soon, a look at how internet connectivity will change in the world’s second largest telecom market.
After Airtel, Jio lays out red carpet for Starlink
Elon Musk's Starlink has partnered with Jio Platforms and Bharti Airtel to provide high-speed satellite internet in India. These collaborations represent a significant shift in India's telecom sector and promise to deliver advanced technology without high spectrum costs, benefiting millions of Indian consumers.
Bharti Airtel partners with Elon Musk's Starlink for high-speed satellite internet in India
Bharti Airtel has partnered with Elon Musk's SpaceX to bring the Starlink satellite internet service to India, marking a significant development in the nation's emerging satcom sector. This agreement aims to enhance connectivity, particularly in underserved areas, and complements Airtel's existing alliance with Eutelsat OneWeb.
Amid Musk-India ties: Satcom players may get easier launch
The government is considering relaxing security conditions for satellite communication licences to align with global practices. This could allow Starlink and Amazon Kuiper to offer telecommunication services in India using satellites. Discussions with law enforcement and telecom officers have taken place, and a meeting with satcom players is expected soon.
Spectrum for satcom services won't be auctioned: Govt to Lok Sabha
The Indian government has reaffirmed its plan to allocate spectrum for satellite-based communication services administratively, with a fee, rather than through auctions. However, exceptions may be made for public interest or governmental functions. The Department of Telecommunications is awaiting recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on spectrum pricing and terms, considering fair competition with terrestrial services.
Satcom airwaves to be assigned administratively: Government in parliament
The Indian government has stated that spectrum for satellite-based communication services will generally be assigned administratively, for a fee, but may have exceptions for public interest or government functions. The Department of Telecommunications is awaiting recommendations from TRAI on spectrum pricing and terms, amidst debate between satellite firms and telcos over allocation methods.
Musk says Scindia comments on satcom spectrum ‘promising’
Elon Musk expresses optimism regarding India's potential allocation of satellite broadband spectrum without auctions, a move supported by global satellite providers but opposed by Indian telecom giants like Jio and Airtel. While regulatory approvals are pending, the decision holds implications for the future of satellite-based internet services in India.
Elon Musk reacts to Scindia, says Starlink will do its best to serve people of India
Elon Musk’s Starlink aims to serve India after the government decided to allocate satellite spectrum administratively. This follows criticism from Musk against auctioning satellite spectrum. Indian communications minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, confirmed the allocation would be at a cost set by the telecom regulator. Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Mittal's companies are also involved.
Satcom spectrum will be allocated administratively but with a price: Jyotiraditya Scindia
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that satellite spectrum will be allocated administratively, not without cost. TRAI will decide the allocation formula. The Telecom Act 2023 supports administrative allocation, unlike Reliance Jio, favoring auctions. Bharti Airtel’s Sunil Mittal believes the satcom sector should follow telecom rules.
Starlink, SES differ with Amazon’s Kuiper, Apple partner on Trai’s unified satcom licence proposal
Global satellite firms have differing stances on the Indian telecom regulator's proposal to merge authorisation regimes for satellite services. While Amazon's Kuiper and others support a unified licence, Starlink, SES, and allies argue for keeping them separate to streamline and clarify current authorisations instead of merging the scopes for better service delivery.
Amazon's Project Kuiper in queue for satcom licence
Amazon is the fourth firm to seek such a licence in India to offer space communications services after Eutelsat OneWeb, Jio's satcom unit, and Starlink as competition in the still nascent Indian broadband-from-space market hots up.
Starlink, Project Kuiper requests for landing rights under process: IN-SPACe chairman
Both companies have yet to get permits to provide satcom services in India — their applications are pending before the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) — but Goenka said this would not delay the grant of landing rights to them by the space sector regulator.
Jio-SES JV Orbit Connect gets IN-SPACe authorisation to enter satcom space
Orbit Connect India, a joint venture between Reliance Jio Platforms and SES, has obtained crucial landing rights and market access authorizations from IN-SPACe, India's space regulator. This move positions Jio against Bharti Enterprises-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, Elon Musk's Starlink, and Amazon's Kuiper in India's satellite communications sector. Jio is also seeking trial satellite spectrum from the DoT for advanced trials on its nationwide satellite broadband network, aiming for an early allocation to begin trials.
Stars may have finally aligned for Elon Musk-owned satcom company in India
The Indian government is expediting the application process for Elon Musk's Starlink satellite communication company, despite unresolved issues such as its links with US security agencies. Starlink may receive "conditional approval" based on undertakings regarding data sharing and partnerships with Indian firms.
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