Airtel and Reliance Jio have expressed strong opposition to the proposal of allocating spectrum to Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite-based internet service, in India. The two telecom giants have argued that such a move would compromise India’s national security and create market distortions.
According to sources, Airtel and Jio have submitted a joint representation to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) expressing their concerns that Starlink’s presence in India would disrupt the market and threaten the livelihoods of Indian telecom operators. They have also alleged that Starlink’s technology is not compatible with India’s spectrum allocation framework and would require significant modifications to the existing network infrastructure.
The Indian telecom industry has also raised concerns over the security implications of having a foreign player like Starlink operate in India, citing the risks of data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Airtel and Jio have requested the government to reconsider their proposal and ensure that any new entrant in the Indian telecom market adheres to India’s spectrum allocation guidelines and security protocols.
The Starlink service, launched by Elon Musk’s private space company SpaceX, offers high-speed internet connectivity using a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites. While the service is available in several countries, including the United States, Europe, and Australia, its entry in India would require a separate spectrum allocation and regulatory approvals.
The Indian government has been considering the proposal, and a final decision is yet to be taken. The government is weighing the benefits of introducing new competition in the Indian telecom market against the concerns raised by the existing operators. While some experts believe that Starlink can bring much-needed competition and innovation to the Indian telecom sector, others argue that the risks associated with national security and market distortions may outweigh the benefits.
The outcome of this proposal will be closely watched by the global telecom industry, as it will set a precedent for other foreign players looking to enter the Indian telecom market. If the Indian government decides to allow Starlink to operate in India, it could have significant implications for the country’s telecom landscape and the global satellite internet market.