With Starlink’s launch on the horizon, India’s top telecom companies—Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi)—have pushed back against the government’s plan to allocate satellite communication (satcom) spectrum through administrative procedures instead of auctions. Through the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), these telcos have requested a level playing field, demanding that satcom and terrestrial services follow similar regulatory frameworks.
The Core Issue: Spectrum Allocation
The primary concern revolves around how spectrum is assigned.
- Telecom providers like Jio and Airtel pay hefty sums to bid for spectrum.
- Satcom companies, like Starlink, may get spectrum administratively, without auctions.
This, telecom operators argue, creates an unfair advantage. They stress that while satcom is crucial for rural areas, in competitive urban markets, both sectors should operate under the “same service, same rules” principle.
Elon Musk Welcomes India’s Satcom Policy
Interestingly, while Indian telcos express concerns, Elon Musk praised the Indian government’s openness to administrative spectrum allocation. Satcom companies globally support this method, arguing that bidding for shared satellite spectrum is impractical. However, COAI remains firm that such free allocation could dampen investor confidence in India’s telecom industry.
Starlink vs Jio, Airtel, and Amazon
Starlink’s imminent arrival is intensifying the satellite broadband race. Alongside Starlink, players like Jio Satcom, Airtel OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper are preparing their own services. Jio and Airtel have already cleared regulatory hurdles, but reports suggest Starlink could be the first to roll out services in India.
What’s Next?
With the government keen on welcoming global satellite internet providers, the regulatory debate over spectrum allocation is set to intensify. While Starlink is gearing up to offer high-speed internet across India, telecom giants are unlikely to back down without ensuring regulatory parity and competitive fairness.
