Elon Musk has been officially granted permission to launch Starlink by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of India, so that Starlink can offer satellite-based internet services in the country. The invention is occurring as India celebrates 30 years since the first cellular call in the country, and this achievement has been positioned alongside a new era of digital connectivity.
The approval, confirmed on Thursday by Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, was based on a performance that 56 percent of the population watched. He said that Starlink has been assigned a Unified Licence and that a framework has been established for allocating spectrum and organising gateways. The decision is likely to facilitate the quick implementation of satellite broadband in underserved areas.
Starlink, an offshoot of SpaceX, filed its application in 2021. The authorization came after years of discussion of regulations and delays concerning frequencies. This licence now has Starlink lining up alongside other international and local players who want to enter the Indian broadband market with satellite technology.
Starlink has joined other large-scale satellite internet providers such as Eutelsat, OneWeb, and Reliance Jio in its business venture with SES. These competitors, too, have government clearance to provide the services and would soon get the final spectrum allocation to set up commercial services.
Scindia stated that they have put in place a regulatory infrastructure to ensure a smooth launch for licensed players. He also indicated that the systematic alliance between central organisations and international enterprises is an indicator of India's preparedness, owing to the adoption of superior internet technology.
The license indicates that the Indian government plans to increase internet coverage in rural and remote areas. Due to the lack of earthly infrastructure in some places, satellite services have the potential to satisfy the current digital divide. The price of the Starlink services in India is likely to be 3,000 rupees monthly, with a maximum of two million customers initially.
The announcement comes at the same time as India is celebrating a major telecommunication event: the first mobile call in July 1995. The event saw Cindia look back at the achievements made in the country's digital transformation, especially in the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been in power since 2014.
India's satellite broadband industry is becoming increasingly competitive. As the work on regulations and spectrum becomes finalized, companies like Starlink, which obtain licenses to operate, may commence working shortly. Due to the increasing demand for faster internet in rural regions, the influx of international players will only heighten connectivity in the country.