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Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have signed distribution agreements with SpaceX's Starlink to offer satellite internet in India.
This marks a shift from telecom companies' initial reluctance due to concerns about spectrum auctions.
Starlink faces several regulatory challenges in India, including obtaining necessary authorizations and clearances.
What is Starlink?
Low-Earth Orbit Satellites:
Starlink is a network of thousands of satellites providing internet access.
Users require ground terminals to connect.
Coverage and Speed:
Offers near-global coverage with speeds around 100 Mbps.
Latency is higher than wired broadband.
Functionality:
Satellites connect to ground stations that link to the internet.
Best used in rural areas where normal internet is not available.
How much does Starlink cost?
Equipment Cost:
Includes the user terminal (router).
Costs vary, with potential increases due to import duties and taxes.
Estimated costs of 17,000 to 40,000 rupees.
Monthly Fees:
Unlimited residential and roaming plans range from $120-$165 in the U.S.
Indian pricing is uncertain, but Bhutan's pricing may be an indicator.
Higher priced mobile priority plans are also offered.
When will Starlink be available in India?
Regulatory Challenges:
Needs Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) authorization.
Requires security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Ground stations need to comply with Indian telecom regulations.
Spectrum allocation is a major hurdle, with debate over auction versus allocation.
Spectrum Dispute:
Telecom companies initially wanted spectrum auction.
Reliance Jio argues auctions are required by law.
Government may allocate Starlink's spectrum, not auction it, due to its technology and rural potential, facing legal challenges
Uncertainty:
The timeline for Starlink's availability is uncertain due to ongoing regulatory processes.
Political factors may influence the government's decision.
Distribution agreements do not guarantee regulatory approval.
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