Elon Musk's Starlink inches closer to securing a satellite communication (satcom) license in India, domestic telecom giants like Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (VI) are advocating for fair competition in the market. Starlink has formally accepted India's regulatory conditions, including local data storage and government data interception provisions, to operate its satellite broadband services in the country.
Starlink has agreed to comply with India's security and data storage norms, which are mandatory for satellite broadband service providers. This includes storing all user data within India and facilitating data access for intelligence agencies when necessary.
Starlink's application is currently under review by the Ministry of Home Affairs and security agencies. The company has requested some relaxations on certain conditions, aiming to comply gradually after securing the license.
The Indian government has maintained a firm stance, refusing to ease regulations for global players like Starlink and Amazon's Kuiper. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasised that compliance with all regulatory requirements is essential for obtaining a license.
Reliance Jio and Airtel are pushing for spectrum allocation through auctions rather than administrative processes, arguing that this ensures equal opportunities for all participants.The entry of Starlink and other international players could intensify competition in India's satellite broadband market. However, domestic operators are concerned about potential unfair advantages due to differences in regulatory frameworks.
Starlink's satellite internet could revolutionize connectivity in remote areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking. However, the service may come at a premium price, limiting its accessibility to a niche user base.The Indian government's stance on compliance with local regulations will set a precedent for future international entrants in the satellite communication sector.
