Jyotiraditya Scindia, the telecom minister, while addressing the media happened to comment on the license status of Elon Musk-owned Starlink to operate satellite broadband in India. 

What's the Status? 

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."

This brings us to the status that Starlink currently stands at the approval stage regarding a few metrics including data storage protocols, shareholding patterns, and, finally the coverage details. India’s norms necessitate satcom companies to store data within the boundary of the nation and also secure access to the same by intelligence agencies, if necessary. 

Recent Development 

Starlink has recently agreed to DOT’s data localization and security demands, Moneycontrol reports, taking its application closer to the approval stage. It is a necessary step towards acquiring a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satelite Services (GMPCSS) license in India to become eligible for spectrum allocation. 

Significance 

Any provider aspiring to provide satcom services has to go through these security and data checks to prevent potential misuse.  Security protocols mandate that these terminals stop transmitting if there is a change in their geographical location to prevent any misuse, whatsoever. These measures are part of a broader framework of compliance requirements that satellite communication providers must meet to operate in India, encompassing data handling, coverage areas, and security standards.

IN-SPACe Approval 

In addition to DoT’s approval, Stacom companies are supposed to have permission from In-SPACe too to operate a Satcom spectrum. In this regard, both Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper are addressing queries for final approval. 

Spectrum Tussle 

The Indian Telcos namely, Jio & Airtel have been pushing for spectrum auctions rather than allocation through bureaucracy to ensure equal opportunity to all the participants. Additionally, fears have also been associated with Satcom companies like Musk’s Starlink & Amazon’s Kuiper providing services to the people similar to terrestrial telecom services offered by these, leading to an unfair advantage being granted to the specific Satcom companies.

The Indian telcos wish for the government to ensure a level playing field even if the government is planning to move ahead with spectrum allocations and not auctions, specifically, while ensuring equal and fair treatment to all the companies as they aim to provide the same services across the geography. 

However, the minister has already articulated the government’s stance to allocate the satellite spectrums and not go for Auction, as suggested by Reliance-Jio. 

Read latest Recommendations:  TRAI expected to Confirm Satcom Spectrum Recommendations by 15th December

The industry has reiterated the very same stance in its meeting with the Telecom Minister, held just a few days back.  

Prospects 

While the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Ministry of Communications (MoC) hold the authority over the rules and guidelines for Satcom spectrum allocations, Indian telecom operators remain at odds with the Telecom Minister's repeated stance that the government intends to allocate the spectrum directly rather than conducting a full auction. 

The competitive landscape is intensifying, with industry players vigorously working to safeguard their business interests while striving to stay ahead in technological innovation and maintain alignment with global standards.