The Indian government has announced the allocation of spectrum for satellite broadband services. In such a situation, this is a big relief for Elon Musk's company Starlink and similar global satellite companies. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that India will adopt an assignment-based approach for satellite spectrum, which will be in line with international standards set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). However, this decision of the government is contrary to the demands put forward by Indian telecom giants. In such a situation, Airtel and Jio will be especially unhappy with this decision.
Communications Minister Scindia stressed that 'every country has to follow the ITU, which is the body that makes rules for space or satellites. The organization clearly says that spectrum in space should be allocated, not auctioned.' Since India is also a member of the ITU, India's policy will also be in line with global standards. India has included satellite spectrum in 'Schedule 1' of the Telecom Act of 2023, which will require government allocation.
India's two big telecom companies Jio and Airtel were insisting on the allocation of spectrum through auction. Mukesh Ambani's Jio and Sunil Mittal-owned Airtel are also competing for their share in the satellite broadband sector. They believe that through auction, equal opportunities will also be available to old operators, who buy spectrum and set up infrastructure like telecom towers.
A user named Alex wrote in a post on X, "News: @Starlink India's Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said in an interview with the Press Trust of India today that spectrum for satellite broadband will be allocated, not auctioned as demanded by telecom giants Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Mittal." Musk responded to this post by writing one word 'promising'. Musk's comment shows his support for India's approach, which could make it more possible for companies like Starlink to enter the Indian market.
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