Satellite Internet launch in India faces delays: Elon Musk and Amazon’s Starlink satellite internet services are facing potential delays in India as the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has requested additional security measures. Although the Indian government recently sought suggestions from stakeholders on spectrum allocation and pricing for satellite internet services, this new demand could slow down the launch of these tech giants.

DoT Compliance Requirements for Starlink and Amazon

The DoT has urged Starlink and Amazon Web Services to achieve security compliance to continue their satellite internet applications in India.

While Airtel’s Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio’s SES have already received approvals for satellite services, Starlink and Amazon are yet to submit the required security documentation.

According to the recent report filed in The Economic Times, it was stated that the DoT has sent a formal notice to these companies and is ready to send a reminder if the responses are not provided promptly.

Sensitive coverage areas require transparency

DoT officials pointed out that certain parts of India are very sensitive in terms of national security. To mitigate risks, satellite providers will be required to submit documents detailing data protection, coverage areas and other security-related information.

Only after a thorough review and approval of these documents will the government give the green light to Starlink and Amazon services for the Indian market.

Competition with Indian telecom giants

India’s satellite internet market is heating up, with Airtel, Jio and Vodafone Idea gearing up to offer terrestrial and satellite internet. Meanwhile, Starlink and Amazon are poised to become formidable competitors if they win approval. Starlink applied for the Global Mobile Personal Communication Satellite Service (GMPCS) license in October 2022, followed by Amazon’s application last year.

TRAI seeks industry feedback on spectrum pricing

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is also taking feedback from stakeholders on prices and conditions of satellite internet spectrum. As the satellite internet sector grows in India, competition between

telecom giants and technology leaders like Amazon and SpaceX’s Starlink are expected to drive innovation and expand internet accessibility.

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