Starlink, American billionaire Elon Musk’s flagship satellite internet venture, is moving closer to securing a Satcom license in India. As per the reports by Financial Express, Starlink has submitted its formal acceptance of the key conditions set by the government to secure a license for launching satellite broadband services in the country. 

The company has agreed to let go of the bottlenecks as it accepts the security and data storage requirements mandated by the government, the report claims through sources. The agree,emt mandates the company to keep all its data localized in the country. Apart from this, it would necessitate the company to ensure that its connections can be subjected to interception as and when directed by the government. 

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Satcom License to Starlink: Current Status 

The company has requested the DoT for relaxation in certain conditions, committing to compliance over time once its application is approved.

Currently, Starlink’s application is under review by the Ministry of Home Affairs and security agencies. However, the government has taken a firm stance, stating that it will not ease regulations for global players such as Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper.

Satrlink Vs Indian TSPS

Indian telecom operators, namely Jio and Airtel, have been advocating for spectrum allocation through auctions rather than bureaucratic processes. While international players like Starlink and Kuiper expect the Indian government to follow global standards.

Also Read: "They have to comply with all our concerns,": Jyotiraditya Scindia as Starlink Seeks Indian Satcom License

Indian telcos’ stance is driven by a desire to ensure equal opportunities for all participants. Additionally, concerns have also been raised about international players offering services similar to terrestrial telecom providers, potentially giving them an unfair advantage.

Satcom License: Government’s Stance

Jyotiraditya Scindia, the telecom minister, happened to comment on the license status of Elon Musk-owned Starlink to operate satellite broadband in India. He said, “We are ready to give a license to anyone, including Starlink. They have to comply with all our concerns," Scindia told media. "We have to see that all security concerns are addressed. There is a specific format. You have to check all the boxes, you get the license."