Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite internet service by SpaceX, aims to bring high-speed internet access to India, especially to remote regions where traditional internet is limited. With its global presence in over 36 countries, Starlink is set to transform connectivity in rural and underserved areas by leveraging a network of low-Earth orbit satellites. However, establishing Starlink in India is not straightforward. Here’s a look at the hurdles Starlink faces as it navigates regulatory processes and competition in the Indian market.
What Exactly is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service that uses a constellation of thousands of small satellites to deliver internet to users around the world. Customers receive Starlink signals through a dish antenna, which can provide consistent high-speed internet, even in rough weather. This service is particularly beneficial for remote locations where traditional cable or fiber internet might not be accessible.
In India, Starlink’s equipment, including the dish antenna, is expected to cost around Rs 7,000, with additional installation charges. But before it becomes available, Starlink must first clear regulatory requirements.
Competition Heats Up: Starlink vs. Indian Players
Starlink isn’t the only player in India’s budding satellite internet market. Indian telecom giants like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are entering the race through Jio Satellite Communication and OneWeb, respectively. Amazon’s Project Kuiper has also shown interest in offering satellite internet services in India.
The competition is fierce, with Jio and Bharti Airtel already having regulatory approvals. Starlink, which applied for its license in 2022, is now under pressure to meet all necessary Indian compliance requirements.
Regulatory Hurdles: Spectrum Allocation Disputes
A key challenge for Starlink in India is the debate over spectrum allocation. Satellite internet services require specific radio frequencies, and there is disagreement on how this spectrum should be allocated. Indian telecom companies argue that spectrum for satellite internet should be auctioned, while Starlink supports an international approach that sees satellite spectrum as “shared” rather than auctioned.
The Indian Telecommunications Act 2023 has put satellite communication under administrative allocation, giving the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) more control. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is reviewing the matter and is expected to release its guidelines by December 15, which could impact how quickly Starlink can proceed.
Security Standards and Data Requirements
The Indian government prioritizes security and data transfer regulations in addition to spectrum. To gain approval, Starlink will need to set up data centers in India to store user data locally. Additionally, Starlink and other satellite internet providers must meet 30-40 security standards to operate in India.
One major security concern is the use of satellite internet in sensitive border regions. The Indian government wants to ensure that any data transferred by satellite internet providers can be accessed if necessary. This requirement could mean additional technical and logistical investments from Starlink before it can fully launch in India.
Starlink’s Next Steps in India
While Starlink has submitted its application, the timeline for launching satellite internet services in India remains uncertain. Until TRAI finalizes the security standards and spectrum rules, Starlink cannot move forward. Starlink must wait for approvals while preparing to adapt to India’s stringent regulatory framework.
