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Starlink India Launch Hinges on Security, Spectrum Pricing: Scindia

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that the launch of Starlink's satellite internet services in India is contingent upon the company meeting security requirements and the government finalizing its spectrum pricing policy. He emphasized the technology's role in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for digital inclusion, particularly in remote areas. Starlink, led by Elon Musk, has already signed a pioneering deal with the Maharashtra government to provide connectivity in rural regions. The company is currently working with provisional spectrum to satisfy the stipulated security norms.

Key Points: Starlink India Rollout Depends on Security, Spectrum Rules

  • Security compliance is mandatory
  • Spectrum pricing policy pending
  • Aims to bridge rural digital divide
  • Maharashtra signs first state deal
2 min read

Launch of Starlink services dependent on security norms, spectrum pricing: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia says Starlink's India launch awaits security compliance & spectrum pricing policy. Details inside.

"One, on their compliance with regard to the security requirements... And the second is for us to be able to provide spectrum to them. - Jyotiraditya Scindia"

By Shailesh Yadav, New Delhi, January 21

Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Wednesday said that the rollout of Starlink's satellite-based internet services in India will depend on the company's compliance with security requirements and the government's final decision on spectrum pricing and allocation.

Responding to questions by ANI on the timeline for Starlink's operations in India following his meeting with company officials last month, Scindia said the process involves two critical factors.

"One, on their compliance with regard to the security requirements that we have in place. We have given them provisional spectrum to be able to satisfy those requirements. They're currently working on that. And the second is for us to be able to provide spectrum to them. That has to be decided in terms of the policy cost, which the TRAI and DoT are working on," the minister said.

Last month, Scindia met with Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX, and senior company officials to discuss expanding satellite-based last-mile internet access across India.

Emphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a digitally empowered nation, Scindia said satellite connectivity will be crucial for bridging the digital divide in remote and rural regions and accelerating inclusive development.

In a post on social media platform X, Scindia wrote, "A pleasure to meet Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations (SpaceX) and the senior leadership team to discuss advancing satellite-based last-mile access across India. As we work to advance PM Narendra Modi ji's vision of a digitally empowered India, satellite technology will play a pivotal role in extending connectivity to the most remote parts of the country & strengthening internet access to every citizen in rural and hard-to-reach regions, ensuring that digital inclusion accelerates broader development."

Starlink, the satellite internet venture led by Elon Musk, is set to transform India by connecting every corner of the country through affordable, high-speed satellite internet. The global giant is making significant progress in the country, signing a key deal with Maharashtra for rural connectivity, obtaining a license, and setting up ground stations.

Maharashtra has become the first state in India to partner with Elon Musk's Starlink to bring satellite-based internet connectivity to remote and rural areas. The company signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited during a meeting with Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink, in Mumbai.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see the government is being thorough. We can't compromise on national security for the sake of faster internet. Starlink must follow our rules. Also, hope the TRAI pricing is fair so that this doesn't become another expensive service only for the urban elite.
R
Rohit P
Finally! My parents' village in Bihar has terrible mobile network. If Starlink can deliver what it promises, it will be a game-changer for education and healthcare in rural India. Kudos to Maharashtra for leading the way. Other states should follow quickly.
S
Sarah B
While the intent is good, I'm concerned about the timeline. The "process" and "policy cost" discussions can take years in India. We need urgency to bridge the digital divide. Hope this doesn't get stuck in bureaucratic red tape.
V
Vikram M
Security norms are paramount, absolutely. But let's also ensure our domestic players like BSNL and Jio's satellite venture get a level playing field. We shouldn't create a monopoly for a foreign company. Atmanirbhar Bharat should apply here too.
K
Kavya N
Exciting news! This could revolutionize connectivity in hilly and tribal areas. Just hope the final cost to the consumer is not too high. Also, will the user data be stored within India? That's a critical security question that needs a clear answer.

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