Elon Musk's satellite internet venture, Starlink, needs to fulfil all application requirements to secure licences to operate in India. This is the only hurdle standing in its way, according to Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia.
In an interview with Moneycontrol, Scindia addressed Starlink’s pending applications since 2021, stating, "They have to check off all the boxes, and the minute they do that, they will get their licence."
He noted that India has already granted licences to Airtel-backed OneWeb and the Jio-SES partnership.
"Our market is open to anyone who wants to operate in India, provided they complete the required formalities, obtain a licence, secure spectrum, and begin operations," Scindia added.
To operate satellite communication (Satcom) services in India, companies require three key licences: authorisation from the Department of Space (DoS) for satellite ownership, a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for service operations, and a Wireless Operating Licence (WOL) from the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) wing for spectrum use.
So far, only Jio Satellite Communications Limited and OneWeb India Communications Pvt. Ltd. have received GMPCS licences. They are now awaiting the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) announcement on spectrum pricing, after which the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will allocate spectrum administratively for certain satellite services.
In the latest interview, India's Telecom Minister said TRAI is expected to announce spectrum pricing soon. Once that is done, the government will allocate spectrum based on TRAI’s recommendations.
Hurdles in SpaceX's Licences
According to reports, SpaceX’s Starlink has faced multiple challenges in securing licences to operate in India. Strict data localisation and security regulations require companies to store certain data within the country and adhere to specific security protocols, creating significant obstacles in the approval process.
Additionally, the government mandates full disclosure of a company’s ownership structure for licensing approvals. However, Starlink has cited US privacy laws that restrict sharing detailed ownership information of its parent company, SpaceX, leading to delays.
Adding to the concerns, TRAI reportedly plans to recommend a five-year validity for satellite broadband spectrum licences, opposing Starlink’s request for a 20-year permit.
However, a Moneycontrol report citing experts suggests that Starlink may soon receive government approval after partnering with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio.
