In a significant development, Elon Musk’s Starlink is on the brink of securing approval from the Indian government to launch its space-based broadband services in the country. Reports suggest that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is set to issue a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Starlink, with the approval anticipated in the next few days, potentially by early next week.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) had sought clarification from Starlink regarding its shareholding pattern. Starlink promptly provided the necessary information, clearing the path for government approval, as reported by various sources. According to ET Telecom, a source mentioned, “Starlink replied, and in the next few days or by the end of this month, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) may issue a Letter of Intent (LoI).”
The issuance of the LoI could take place as early as Wednesday, according to a report by Moneycontrol.
To finalize the approval process, the DoT is preparing a note for review by Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Communications, and Neeraj Mittal, the telecommunications department’s secretary. Once their approval is secured, the Satellite Communications Wing (SCW) of the department will grant the green light for SpaceX, operated by Musk, to commence operations in India.
Both Vaishnaw and Mittal are currently abroad, with the former attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland and the latter participating in the PanIIT 2024 event in the United States.
Starlink’s entry into the Indian market marks a significant development in the space broadband sector. It will become the third company to offer such services in India, following in the footsteps of Mukesh Ambani’s Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelast OneWeb, backed by Bharti Global.
As the government’s decision on Starlink’s operations in India unfolds, the country anticipates enhanced connectivity and competition in the space-based broadband arena, with potential benefits for consumers and the telecommunications industry at large. Industry experts are keenly observing the developments, recognizing the impact of Starlink’s presence on the Indian digital landscape.
Sources By Agencies