Elon Musk’s Starlink Secures License for Satellite Internet Launch in India, Confirms Telecom Minister Scindia
In a significant advancement for satellite broadband access in India, Elon Musk’s Starlink has received a Unified License to offer satellite internet services, as announced by Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday. This license comes alongside finalized frameworks for spectrum allocation and gateway establishment, paving the way for a seamless rollout of services. The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of India’s first cellular call, marking a milestone in the country’s telecommunications journey.
Starlink’s Entry into the Indian Market
Starlink’s acquisition of a Unified License marks a pivotal moment in India’s telecommunications landscape. The license enables the company to launch its satellite internet services, which are expected to enhance connectivity across the nation, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Minister Scindia emphasized that the frameworks for spectrum allocation and gateway setup are now in place, ensuring that Starlink can begin operations smoothly. This development is part of a broader initiative to improve digital access in India, which has seen remarkable growth in recent years.
In addition to Starlink, other companies like Bharti Group-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio SES are also in the process of securing spectrum allocation for their satellite communication services. The competition among these providers is likely to drive innovation and improve service quality, ultimately benefiting consumers across the country.
India’s Digital Transformation
Minister Scindia highlighted the extraordinary digital transformation that India has undergone over the past 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He noted that digital access has empowered citizens, bridging divides between urban and rural areas. The minister shared impressive statistics, revealing that India now boasts 1.2 billion telephone connections and 970 million internet subscribers. Broadband usage has skyrocketed by over 1,450%, increasing from 60 million subscribers in 2014 to 944 million today.
Moreover, the cost of mobile data has plummeted by 96.6%, making India a global leader in affordable data at just Rs 8.9 per GB. This significant reduction in costs has made internet access more attainable for millions of Indians, fostering greater inclusion in the digital economy.
Telecom Sector Achievements
The revival of state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has been a notable success story in India’s telecom sector. The company reported consecutive net profits of Rs 262 crore and Rs 280 crore in FY24 and FY25, respectively. Scindia mentioned that over 83,000 4G sites have been installed, with 74,000 currently operational, utilizing technology developed within the country.
Additionally, advancements in service standards have been achieved through AI-powered monitoring systems and rapid fibre fault resolutions, which now occur within 12 hours. The swift rollout of 5G technology has reached 99.6% of India’s districts, with 4.74 lakh towers and 300 million users. India now leads the world in per capita 5G data usage, averaging 32 GB per month.
Future Prospects and Investments
Looking ahead, the telecom sector is poised for further growth, with the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme generating Rs 4,305 crore in investments. This initiative has resulted in sales of Rs 85,391 crore and the creation of over 28,000 jobs. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector has nearly tripled, increasing from $282 million to $710 million.
As India continues to enhance its digital infrastructure, the entry of Starlink and other satellite communication providers is expected to play a crucial role in expanding internet access and improving connectivity across the nation. With ongoing investments and technological advancements, India is set to solidify its position as a leader in the global telecommunications landscape.
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