JIO SATELLITE NETWORK
Elon Musk accuses ‘oligarchs’ of blocking Starlink India entry; calls it 'crime against people’
Elon Musk has accused unnamed “oligarchs” of blocking Starlink’s India entry to protect their monopolistic business interests, calling it “a crime against the people of India.” His comments came after SpaceX executive Lauren Dreyer said Starlink is ready to launch once it secures the remaining government approvals, including security clearance.
Elon Musk says Starlink's entry in India 'blocked' by oligarchs, alleges 'monopolistic chokehold'
Elon Musk on Wednesday alleged that Starlink’s entry into India is being “blocked” by certain oligarchs seeking to protect their “monopolistic chokehold” over Indian consumers. Without naming the individuals or companies, Musk accused them of preventing the satellite internet service from entering the Indian market and called it a “crime against the people of India”.
Jio IPO SWOT analysis: What the DRHP says about its growth story, moats and risks
Jio Platforms is gearing up for a landmark public offering to secure Rs 37,700 crore in funds, with subscriptions expected to commence on October 21. With an impressive customer base exceeding 524 million, Jio dominates India's wireless data landscape. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities like the shift from 2G to 4G and expanding enterprise connectivity.
Starlink, OneWeb and Jio: Where India’s satellite internet race stands
India’s satellite internet sector is on the cusp of commercial launches as key players seek the last stages of approval. Companies like Starlink, OneWeb, and Reliance Jio have secured GMPCS licenses but still await spectrum allocations and regulatory nods. OneWeb is set to launch immediately after receiving the missing spectrum, while Jio envisions a robust satellite network for the future.
India Mobile Congress turns 10, and the 2026 Edition lands in Delhi this October
India Mobile Congress 2026 is on from October 7 to 10 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The Department of Telecommunications runs it with COAI. This is the tenth edition. "Scale Without Boundaries" is the theme, and the organisers are working with a footfall estimate north of 150,000 over the four days.
India's ₹60,000 crore TV business faces a new reality: Fewer viewers, old rules
India's ₹60,000-crore television broadcasting industry is experiencing regulatory uncertainty due to shifting consumer preferences. Traditional television is losing customers to OTT platforms, forcing broadcasters to seek more commercial flexibility. The decline in active pay-DTH subscribers has raised concerns about revenue and employment in the sector. Key decisions awaited from regulatory bodies include tariff forbearance and renewal of licenses.
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Trai mandates AI-based spam detection, imposes charge on robocalls to curb unsolicited calls
Trai mandates telecom operators to use AI and machine learning for spam detection. A termination charge of ₹0.05 per minute is introduced for automated robocalls. Entities using application-to-person calls must pre-declare their usage with providers. Telecom operators must deploy AI/ML systems to detect and share spam intelligence. A consumer appeals mechanism and graded actions for violations are also introduced.
Trai tightens anti-spam rules, brings AI-based detection, automated calls under framework
India's telecom regulator has strengthened anti-spam rules significantly. New regulations now include AI detection for suspected spam numbers. Automated and robocalls face extended regulatory oversight and new deterrents. Call management apps must share spam data with telcos to offer reporting. Consumers retain the freedom to block or filter calls on their devices.
Satcom to play key complementary role in reaching remote areas: TRAI Chairman
India is set to enhance connectivity in its challenging and remote areas through satellite communications. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has advised the government on allocating spectrum for broadband services. Companies like Starlink and OneWeb are waiting for essential approvals. TRAI has proposed a spectrum charge of four percent of annual revenues while advocating for subsidies on user terminals to encourage rural adoption.
Reliance Jio, Apple launch new RCS pricing for businesses in India, challenging WhatsApp
Reliance Jio has introduced new pricing for business messaging services on iPhones. Apple has formally entered India's business messaging market, challenging WhatsApp's position. Businesses will pay new rates for marketing, transactional, and OTP messages starting September 1. Rival operators Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel are expected to join the Apple RCS ecosystem soon. This move accelerates RCS adoption in India, a leading market for the service.
ET Exclusive: Reliance Jio eyes September 2027 test flight for 1,600-satellite LEO network
Jio is targeting a September 2027 test flight for its planned 1,600-satellite low Earth orbit constellation, with mass deployment expected from early 2028. The company plans to deploy 400-450 satellites by 2030 and complete the network by 2035, aiming to deliver high-speed broadband to underserved regions.
Satcom spectrum fee: DCC may soon decide airwave charges, allocation terms
A forthcoming inter-ministerial panel meeting will address the fees and allocation frameworks for satellite spectrum. It is anticipated that the digital communications commission will ratify a fee structure of five percent of adjusted gross revenue, with incentives for companies serving underprivileged rural zones. This crucial decision aims to facilitate new entrants, including Starlink, into the Indian broadband landscape.
TV channel exits accelerate as India’s linear television model comes under pressure
India’s television broadcasting industry is undergoing a structural reset as 114 channel licences were surrendered between 2022 and 2026 amid weakening advertising, declining pay-TV homes and audiences shifting to OTT, connected TV and short-form video. Broadcasters including JioStar, Zee Entertainment, NDTV and B4U Networks are rationalising portfolios as industry economics come under pressure.
UpGrad completes Unacademy acquisition; Ultrahuman’s $60 million raise
UpGrad has completed its acquisition of Unacademy, marking the close of a major consolidation in India’s edtech sector. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Singtel seeks FDI approval to enter India’s satellite communications market
Singtel plans to enter India’s emerging satellite communications (satcom) market, targeting public and private enterprises through its Indian subsidiary Singapore Telecom India.
NFO Insight: Invesco India Pharma and Healthcare Fund opens for subscription. Right time to invest in pharma funds?
Invesco India has unveiled an innovative pharma and healthcare fund tailored for investors seeking opportunities in India's burgeoning healthcare landscape. This fund focuses on leveraging advancements in healthcare while being mindful of current sector valuations and possible US tariff repercussions. While experts advise caution, the sector's robust long-term growth potential invites investors to consider this thematic approach as a complementary investment strategy.
PM Modi says ‘production-linked punishment’ era once held back Indian industry; pegs India as world’s fastest-growing economy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India had moved from the Licence Raj-era “Production Linked Punishment” model to incentivising production through the PLI scheme, which he said has generated ₹2.5 lakh crore in investment, ₹22 lakh crore in production and sales, ₹15 lakh crore in exports and over 14 lakh jobs.
India offers over Rs 1 lakh cr digital connectivity opportunity: BIF President
Satellite communication services present a Rs 1 lakh crore digital connectivity opportunity in India. Many rural Indians remain unconnected to broadband, which satcom can address. Modernizing agriculture and improving yields can be achieved through satcom-enabled IoT solutions. Integrated communication systems will combine fiber, mobile, Wi-Fi, and satellite technologies. The government is facilitating satellite broadband deployment for underserved areas.
India plans safe space for local satellite communications players
Global satellite players must coordinate with Indian constellations for spectrum access. This ensures unhindered domestic presence in the growing space communications sector. New rules will likely mandate this coordination for non-geostationary satellite providers. This move aims to prevent global entities from blocking local market entry. National security and the development of Indian capabilities are key priorities.
Amazon eyes 2028 launch for direct-to-phone satellite network
Amazon's satellite venture plans to connect smartphones directly to space. This new service aims to provide voice, messaging, and data globally. Launches are expected to begin in 2028, with FCC approval pending. India is a key market for connecting underserved and unserved populations. This move signals a new frontier in satellite communication technology.
Reliance Jio eyes India's own satellite broadband network
Reliance Jio is exploring a plan to build its own satellite network for India. This initiative aims to bring internet access to remote areas. The company is also partnering with global satellite providers. This dual approach will speed up service delivery. Jio is establishing ground stations to support this ambitious project.
$15 billion game-changer: Reliance Jio readies for a big bang in space
Reliance Jio is reportedly planning a massive 1,600-satellite low Earth orbit constellation, aiming for direct-to-device connectivity and extending its telecom dominance into space. This ambitious project, potentially costing $10-15 billion, seeks to bolster India's digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure, positioning Jio as a major global player.
Nelco, Yotta application for starting satellite-based communication service rejected
The Department of Telecommunications has denied Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) authorization to Tata-owned Nelco and Yotta Network Services. This crucial license, required for satellite-based communication, has only been granted to Jio Satellite, Starlink, and OneWeb India. Applications from Nelco and Yotta were rejected after examination.
Starlink's satellite broadband poses limited threat to Indian telcos: Report
Starlink's satellite broadband services won't significantly challenge Indian telecom leaders Jio and Bharti Airtel due to their competitive pricing, higher speeds, and unlimited data offerings. Starlink's service is more suited to expanding internet access in remote regions. Collaboration with Indian telcos focuses on distribution, with Jio and Bharti aiming to reach underserved areas.
Qualcomm open to working with OneWeb and Jio for mobile Satcom services: Top executive
"We are open to collaborating with both service operators (OneWeb and JioSatellite Communications) and smartphone OEMs regarding their satellite connectivity needs on mobile devices using Qualcomm Technologies," Qualcomm India president Savi Soin said.
JioSpaceFiber, India's first satellite-based gigabit broadband is here: Important details
For this project, Jio has partnered with SES, a Luxembourg-based satellite telecommunications network provider. With this partnership, Jio would be able to tap into the cutting-edge Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite technology that can deliver gigabit-speed internet services from space. To showcase the capabilities of JioSpaceFiber, the service has already been connected to four of India's most remote locations: Gir in Gujarat, Korba in Chhattisgarh, Nabarangpur in Odisha, and ONGC-Jorhat in Assam.
Allow flexible spectrum use between Satcom & Telecom: Jio
Jio Satellite Communications has requested India's telecom regulator, Trai, to allow flexible use of spectrum for both satellite and mobile phone services networks. The company cited the decision of the New Zealand government to allow flexible use of high frequencies in the 24-30 Ghz band as an example. Jio Satellite argued that technology advancements have enabled the convergence of satellite and terrestrial networks, making flexible use of radio frequency necessary.
Jio writes to Trai, seeks flexible use of satellite spectrum
Reliance Jio has urged the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to allow flexible use of spectrum between satellite and terrestrial networks. The company cited the recent decision by the New Zealand government to allocate spectrum in the 24-30 GHz range for both satellite and mobile services as an example. Jio emphasized that this suggestion is based on the latest technological changes and the need for integrated and converged networks.
Reliance Jio will do whatever it can to launch satellite services: Mathew Oommen
In an exclusive interview to Danish Khan and Muntazir Abbas, Oommen also spoke about Jio's network strategy shift, wherein it awarded 5G deals to European vendors, along with private 5G opportunity and Jio's role.
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