India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has imposed a series of stringent security checks on Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, delaying their entry into India’s satellite communication market, as reported by The Economic Times. The DoT requires both companies to fulfill additional security criteria, primarily around data security and territorial coverage, before securing operational approval for satellite internet services.

While Bharti-backed OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s SES partnership have cleared the necessary checks, Starlink and Amazon must supply comprehensive data and compliance details. A DoT official quoted by The Economic Times stated, “Their applications will proceed only after they submit the required compliance details.” Official letters have been sent to both companies, but the required responses remain pending.

Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel recently faced Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper in a heated debate during the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) open house discussion. The primary contention revolves around a “level-playing field” for all participants, given that both telecom and satcom operators aim to serve similar internet requirements across India.

Telecom giants are advocating for uniform licensing and spectrum allocation rules, suggesting an auction-based approach if satcom spectrum isn’t put to bid. Ravi Gandhi from Reliance Jio highlighted the necessity for “same terms, conditions, and spectrum pricing,” emphasizing fair competition among services that are technically comparable.

In a six-hour TRAI session held on November 8, representatives from Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and satellite operators including Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper network debated various topics. These included pricing structures, the duration of spectrum allocation, rollout requirements, and the specific frequency bands for satellite use. Proponents of satcom highlighted the “techno-economic” advantages of spectrum assignment through administrative processes, while telecom leaders argued for an equitable approach.

The discourse, punctuated by fervent exchanges and intermittent emotional responses, underscores the high stakes in India’s satcom arena. TRAI will consider these inputs before determining regulatory decisions that will impact both established telecom entities and emerging satellite operators.

Given India’s pressing digital needs, especially in underserved areas, satcom companies view this market as a major growth opportunity. The government’s emphasis on data security and spectrum allocation will likely shape how Starlink, Amazon, and others operate. As India’s telecom and satellite sectors converge, regulatory clarity and equitable frameworks will be key to sustainable competition and growth.

Credit: This article is based on information from The Economic Times and PTI.

Key Highlights:

1. The DoT has implemented stricter security checks for Starlink and Amazon’s satcom services.
2. Bharti-backed OneWeb and Jio’s SES collaboration have already passed the compliance standards.
3. TRAI’s open house discussions highlighted the need for fair spectrum allocation among telecom and satcom operators.
4. The regulatory outcome may shape the future of India’s satellite communication landscape.