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Key Points

The Indian government is preparing to grant Starlink its third satellite communication license, following Airtel and Jio's approvals. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted the importance of satellite connectivity in expanding internet access to remote areas. Starlink will leverage partnerships with Airtel and Jio to sell and promote its high-speed internet services nationwide. The move represents a significant step in diversifying India's telecommunications infrastructure and improving digital connectivity.

Key Points: Scindia Confirms Starlink's Third Satcom License in India

  • Starlink to receive third satellite communication license in India
  • Satellite services crucial for remote area internet penetration
  • Airtel and Jio partnering with Starlink for service delivery
  • Government to allocate spectrum for satellite telecom expansion
2 min read

Musk's Starlink will be given 3rd satcom services licence after Airtel and Jio: Scindia

Elon Musk's Starlink set to become third satellite internet provider in India, following Airtel and Jio's licenses

"Starlink's satellite connectivity is like a new flower in the telecom bouquet - Jyotiraditya Scindia"

Gwalior, June 5

Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday said Elon Musk's Starlink will be the third satellite internet company to be given a license for providing services in India.

So far, Bharti's OneWeb and Reliance Jio have received a license from the Department of Telecom, government of India, the minister told reporters.

"In the coming days, the third license will be provided," he said, referring to Starlink.

Once licenses are given, the minister said the spectrum would be allocated to them.

"And after this, the government will provide the spectrum. Subsequently, satellite telecom services will be fully operational in the country at a rapid pace. I am sure the customer base in India will grow substantially," the minister added.

"Starlink's satellite connectivity is like a new flower in the telecom bouquet," he said, explaining the progress of the telecom ecosystem in the country.

"Earlier, there was only a fixed line. Today, there is mobile connectivity and broadband connectivity. Optical fibre connectivity has also come in. Along with these, satellite connectivity is also very important," he quipped.

Scindia asserted that internet penetration can only be increased through satellite communication services, especially in remote areas where laying wires and installing towers would be difficult.

Recently, Airtel and Jio have also partnered with Starlink to bring the latter's high-speed satellite internet services to their customers in India. Starlink will use Airtel and Jio's strong dealership network to sell and promote its services.

Satellite telecom in India will help the country provide much-needed services in remote interior places where conventional telecom services tend to be costly.

Starlink's entry into India has gained currency lately, with Donald Trump winning the US presidency for a second term. Elon Musk is a close aide of President Trump.

In mid-April, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met a delegation from Elon Musk-owned satellite internet services company Starlink.

Their discussions covered "Starlink's cutting-edge technology platform, their existing partnerships and future investment plans in India," Minister Goyal had then said in a post on X.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great news for digital India! Remote villages in Himalayan regions and tribal areas will finally get proper internet access. Hope the pricing is affordable though - Starlink tends to be expensive globally. 🤞
P
Priya M.
Why is our government so eager to give licenses to foreign companies when we have capable Indian firms? First Amazon, now Starlink. At least they're partnering with Airtel/Jio, but we should develop our own satellite tech.
A
Arjun S.
As someone who frequently travels to Ladakh for work, this is a game-changer! Current internet options in border areas are pathetic. Starlink could revolutionize connectivity for our armed forces too. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
S
Sunita P.
Hope they implement proper data security measures. With foreign satellite internet, we need assurance that Indian users' data won't be accessed by other governments. The partnership with Indian telcos is reassuring though.
V
Vikram D.
"New flower in telecom bouquet" - what a poetic way to put it by Scindia ji! 😄 Competition is always good for consumers. Maybe now Jio will stop increasing prices every other month if Starlink provides real competition.
N
Neha T.
Good initiative but implementation will be key. Remember when 5G was launched with so much hype? Still patchy in many areas. Hope they don't just focus on cities but actually deliver in rural India as promised.

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