India plans five-year limit on satellite spectrum
While Starlink advocates for a 20-year permit for stability, local giants like Reliance and Bharti Airtel back the adaptive short-term approach.
India’s telecom regulator plans to recommend allocating satellite broadband spectrum for around five years to assess market adoption, a move that goes against Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has been pushing for a 20-year permit.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is finalising key recommendations on the licensing timeframe and pricing, opting for a shorter period to monitor industry growth before making long-term commitments.
Musk’s Starlink recently secured a major distribution deal with Reliance, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, after previously being on opposing sides regarding spectrum allocation.
While Starlink advocates for a two-decade allotment for stability and affordability, Reliance has supported a three-year licence with a reassessment later. Bharti Airtel, another Indian telecom giant, has also backed a shorter timeframe of three to five years.
A government official confirmed TRAI is inclined towards a five-year limit, allowing regulators to review the market and revise spectrum pricing as needed.
However, this decision could impact Starlink’s long-term plans in India, as its deals with Reliance and Airtel are still pending regulatory approvals. Meanwhile, industry forecasts suggest India’s satellite communication sector could expand over tenfold, reaching $25 billion by 2028.
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