Starlink has reportedly agreed to comply with India’s security and data storage regulations, which are mandatory for satellite broadband service providers seeking a license in the country. The satellite internet company, led by Elon Musk, is preparing to launch its services in India, where satellite spectrum is expected to be allocated through an administrative process.
Once operational, Starlink will enter a competitive market alongside upcoming players like Reliance’s JioSpaceFiber, Airtel, and Amazon Kuiper.
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Starlink Has Requested For Relaxation In Conditions?
A Financial Express report, citing unnamed sources, states that Starlink has formally accepted the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) conditions, which include local data storage and provisions for government data interception. These are essential requirements for obtaining an operating license in India. The government has not requested any further clarifications from the company, as per the report.
It is also noted that Starlink had previously sought leniency on some of these requirements until its application was approved, but the government declined to grant exceptions for foreign firms. As of now, the DoT has not issued operational licenses to any foreign satellite service providers.
Once satellite broadband services launch in India, Starlink is likely to face stiff competition from Airtel and Reliance Jio. These companies are preparing to introduce their own satellite-based internet services following the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) allocation of spectrum, expected in the coming months.
Starlink previously had disagreements with Jio regarding TRAI’s decision to allocate satellite spectrum administratively. Jio has been advocating for a spectrum auction instead, a move that analysts suggest could discourage international satellite communication providers from entering the market.
The rollout of satellite broadband services in India is expected to begin soon after spectrum allocation is finalized. While Starlink and Amazon Kuiper are still awaiting approval for their applications, Jio and OneWeb have already secured a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite Services (GMPCS) license, putting them ahead in the regulatory process.
