According to sources, the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) officials in India are expected to meet on September 20 to determine whether to grant Elon Musk’s Starlink the necessary license to operate in the country. Starlink, which offers satellite internet services, is already available in 32 countries worldwide, and it played a critical role in maintaining communication during the Ukrainian conflict with Russia.
Last year, Starlink applied for a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license with the DoT. In 2021, the company opened pre-booking channels in India but was later forced to shut them down and await regulatory approval. The government aims to ensure that companies operate with the proper licenses, and there is a push to bring other internet-based services, such as OTT platforms, into a licensing regime to safeguard the interests of Indian users.
Starlink is not the only company looking to provide satellite internet services in India. Airtel-backed OneWeb and Jio’s satellite arm, Jio Space Technology, have also applied for the GMPCS license. To proceed further, these companies will need to acquire satellite spectrum allocated by the DoT.
Satellite internet differs from traditional internet services as it relies on signals from satellites orbiting the Earth, eliminating the need for physical cables and wires. This technology is particularly beneficial in areas where conventional internet services are unavailable or limited. Users would need to install dedicated channels on their premises to access satellite internet, such as the LEO (Low-Earth Orbit) Starlink satellites operated by SpaceX. With over 4,000 satellites already launched and more on the way, Starlink aims to provide global coverage.
In conclusion, with the upcoming meeting, DoT officials will decide whether to grant the necessary license to Starlink, allowing the company to offer satellite internet services in India.
