Satellite internet provider Starlink, backed by Elon Musk, granted approval to offer services in India
Elon Musk's Starlink, the satellite internet company, has made a significant move in India by securing a license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) services, VSAT Services, and ISP Category-A under a unified license.
Joining the ranks of OneWeb and Reliance Jio, Starlink is the third company to receive the nod for GMPCS services from the DoT. This license paves the way for Starlink to penetrate the Indian market, offering satellite-based internet services that promise to reach even the remotest corners.
Benefits of Starlink's GMPCS Services
- Extensive Coverage: With GMPCS services, Starlink aims to bridge the connectivity gap in remote and underserved areas. The satellite technology enables mobile communication seamlessly, ensuring continuous and secure service that adheres to global standards [1][2].
- Affordable High-Speed Internet: The pricing for Starlink's services in India is expected to be as low as Rs 850, making high-speed internet more accessible for a broader audience, including rural communities [3].
- Competitive Edge: As Starlink enters the Indian market, it will induce competition among traditional telecom providers like Jio and Airtel. This competition could potentially drive innovation and improve services for consumers [3].
Navigating Regulatory Hurdles
Although Starlink has secured the GMPCS license, it still needs to overcome regulatory hurdles. The company must acquire approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (In-SPACe) for service authorization, which includes clearance from an inter-ministerial standing committee (IMC) and provisional spectrum allocation [1][3].
Industry Concerns
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has expressed concerns about the pricing model for satellite services, arguing that it could distort market competition and favor satellite providers over traditional telecom operators [1]. Despite these concerns, Starlink's entry into India presents an exciting opportunity for enhanced connectivity and competition in the telecom sector.
Stay tuned for more updates as Starlink works towards revolutionizing the Indian telecom landscape.
Sources:
- Outlining the Regulatory Path for Starlink in India
- Elon Musk's Starlink Secures GMPCS License in India
- Starlink's Affordable Satellite Internet in India: A Game Changer?
- Starlink Sighted at 90° West and 53° West for Indian Coverage
- Connecting the Dots: Understanding Starlink's Role in India's Digital Dreams
- The satellite technology offered by Starlink's GMPCS services is expected to adhere to global standards, contributing to mobile communication seamlessly and bridging the connectivity gap in remote areas [Extensive Coverage].
- The high-speed internet services provided by Starlink might be priced affordably at around Rs 850, making it accessible for a broader audience, including rural communities [Affordable High-Speed Internet].
- With competitors like Jio and Airtel in the Indian market, Starlink's entry could potentially drive innovation and improve services for consumers, igniting competition in the telecom sector [Competitive Edge].
