ONEWEB
Jio vs Starlink makes for a billionaire clash, but India’s satcom race is a minefield in the skies
Jio Platforms is preparing for an IPO while developing its satellite venture to connect remote areas. Reliance Jio's ambitious plan involves deploying 1,600 low-Earth-orbit satellites and 23 ground stations across India. Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel aims to compete with a satellite network of its own through partnerships. The regulatory environment remains complex as both companies navigate their plans amid recent developments.
Musk is getting it wrong on India's space "oligarchs". Here's why
Though Starlink boasts extensive satellite internet coverage, many potential users find the service economically unviable. The Indian government is strategically evaluating its communications infrastructure choices, potentially leaning towards homegrown solutions for critical services, which may boost Reliance's positioning against SpaceX in the market.
ET Exclusive: India weighs security checkpoint for Starlink, global satcom firms
The Indian government is in discussions to create a hardware device for monitoring satellite communications from foreign providers. This device aims to ensure national security by controlling internet traffic from companies like Starlink. Officials state that this security layer will prevent potential risks associated with untrusted transport carriers. Notably, Starlink has faced regulatory challenges for not complying with local infrastructure regulations.
Elon Musk's Starlink responds to Reliance, says ‘ready to connect India’ with high-speed internet
Starlink has said it is ready to provide high-speed internet services in India, asserting that it has spent over five years working with regulators, industry and operators and built dedicated infrastructure with the requisite government approvals. The Elon Musk-led company made the statement while tagging Reliance Industries' post on competition in satellite communications.
Reliance Industries welcomes Starlink competition while urging compliance with Indian laws
Reliance Industries expressed its openness to competition within India's satellite communications market. The company welcomed Starlink’s entry while emphasizing the need for compliance with Indian regulations. Reliance stated that its satellite services are awaiting necessary government approvals for operations. Elon Musk claimed that oligarchs are blocking Starlink's entry into India, which Reliance addressed in its statement. Other satellite operators also continue to seek Indian government clearances to start their services.
Reliance says Starlink welcome, but all players must follow Indian laws
Reliance Industries stated that it welcomes competition, including Starlink, in the satellite communications sector. The company emphasized the need for all players to comply with Indian laws and regulations. Reliance noted that its satellite services are also awaiting necessary approvals. Elon Musk raised concerns about competition being hindered by oligarchs in India. The communications ministry reaffirmed the requirement for security compliance prior to spectrum assignment.
Eutelsat OneWeb much ahead of Starlink in licence queue: Sunil Mittal
Bharti Group, with a 17.88% stake, is the second largest shareholder in Eutelsat OneWeb after the French government. The low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite operator, which competes with Starlink, was the first to seek Indian government approval for starting its services.
‘We’ll be very happy to get it at least a few days before him’: Sunil Bharti Mittal on Musk’s Starlink satellite internet approval in India
Sunil Bharti Mittal stated that he applied for satellite service approvals in India five years ago. His ground network has been ready for the last three years, waiting for final approvals. Mittal highlighted the importance of regulatory clearances for expanding connectivity beyond traditional mobile networks. Bharti Airtel is also investing in digital infrastructure, data centers, and sovereign cloud services.
Satellite network a 'technology of geopolitical control': Think tank for hard limits on Starlink
An Indian policy group has advised the government to enforce strict conditions on foreign satellite operators. The Kutniti Foundation argues that SpaceX's Starlink poses strategic risks to India's telecommunications sovereignty. The report emphasises the need for India to establish its own satellite constellation to ensure data security. It highlights concerns about potential foreign intelligence vulnerabilities linked to external operators.
No one will buy Starlink if too expensive in India, SpaceX will need to make price affordable: Musk
Elon Musk has highlighted the essentiality of offering affordable prices for Starlink in India to drive customer adoption. He believes that increased competition will provide greater choices for consumers, ultimately benefiting the populace. Musk also took aim at Mukesh Ambani's advocates for their inconsistent views on Starlink's market viability. Meanwhile, the Indian government noted the presence of various players in the satellite communication space, dismissing monopoly claims.
Elon Musk's Ambani attack draws questions over his own Trump donations
Musk, who owns social media platform X, has accused Indian authorities of delaying Starlink’s entry into the country and suggested that Ambani’s influence could be a factor. After a series of tweets this week, he once again took to the platform to share media reports about Reliance's political funding, including donations to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally the Shiv Sena.
Elon Musk steps up Starlink push, asks why India has not given licence; government says all three satcom firms are at same stage
Elon Musk is pushing for Starlink's approval in India while alleging that oligarchs are blocking its entry. He emphasizes that Starlink has complied with all regulations for five years without receiving a license. The government has stated that all involved parties are at the same regulatory stage awaiting security approvals. The ministry insists that compliance with security conditions is mandatory before moving forward.
‘Wait till you discover…’: Rahul Gandhi reacts as Elon Musk ups ante over India’s telecom rules
Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at India’s telecom regulations after Elon Musk questioned why Starlink is yet to receive an operating licence despite five years of compliance with Indian requirements. Musk called the situation “troubling”. Starlink has secured key authorisations but is awaiting security clearance before launching commercial services in India.
'There's talk of one party, but three have got Satcom licences': Jyotiraditya Scindia
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted India's technology-agnostic policy towards satellite communications during a recent event. He noted that several companies, including Reliance Jio, OneWeb, and Starlink, received the necessary licenses. While SpaceX's Elon Musk called for quicker licensing for Starlink, the government emphasized its fair authorization framework. The final decision regarding spectrum pricing is forthcoming, which will impact when operators can launch services.
Elon Musk renews push for Starlink entry in India says lack of internet denies children ‘opportunity for education’
Elon Musk has publicly requested approval for Starlink to enter the Indian market, highlighting connectivity issues in rural areas. The Indian government has dismissed claims of bias against Starlink, stating a fair authorization framework exists. Musk has alleged that unnamed oligarchs are blocking Starlink's entry to the market. The company has spent five years complying with Indian regulations and adapting its operations.
India needs level playing field where every business has fair chance to compete: Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi underscored the importance of a level playing field for businesses in India while addressing crony capitalism. His remarks followed an online exchange with Elon Musk regarding Starlink's licensing issues. Gandhi argued for an economy driven by innovation and hard work instead of political connections. The Indian government refuted allegations by Musk about blocking Starlink's services, clarifying compliance requirements.
Starlink operations in India: BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar asks Elon Musk to be patient
Rajeev Chandrasekhar addressed Elon Musk's concerns regarding the licensing of Starlink in India. He emphasized the importance of national security while processing satellite internet licenses. Chandrasekhar stated that all satellite communication companies must comply with the same regulatory requirements. He also highlighted the principles guiding technology governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The telecom ministry denied Musk's claims of domestic interests blocking Starlink's services.
'OneWeb is waiting too': Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal responds to Musk’s allegations of bias in satellite service approvals
Airtel chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said Eutelsat OneWeb is also awaiting approvals to start satellite services in India, rejecting Elon Musk’s claim that Starlink is being blocked. The government said Starlink, OneWeb and Jio Satcom are at broadly the same regulatory stage, awaiting security clearances before spectrum can be assigned, and called allegations of discriminatory treatment baseless.
Govt rejects Elon Musk’s claims of discrimination in India’s satellite communications approval process
The government rejected Elon Musk’s allegations that “oligarchs” are blocking Starlink’s India entry, saying all three licensed satellite operators are at broadly the same regulatory stage and undergoing security assessments.
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