Satellite Networks

Starlink bags approval to close in on Indian launch

Starlink bags approval to close in on Indian launch

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has approved Starlink’s bid for a crucial licence that will allow the SpaceX unit to provide satellite services in the market.

Ministry officials cleared the issue of a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite after Starlink offered assurances that it would comply with regulations relating to security and data localisation. The Times of India reported that Starlink will set up a domestic control centre and has also agreed to stipulations about intercepting communications.

Last month, India’s Department of Telecommunications granted its conditional approval for Starlink to launch broadband services. The US-headquartered company still requires approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, although this is reportedly close.

SpaceX has had a presence in India since 2021, when it established a local subsidiary. It has signed agreements with operators including Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, but has dealt with numerous regulatory delays to launching.

Most recently, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India announced plans to charge satellite internet players up to 4% of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) over a five-year period to use spectrum allocated to them for satellite broadband services.



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