Jyotiraditya Scindia Lays Down Rules for Elon Musk’s Starlink License in India: ‘Comply With All Norms to Operate {update}

The Indian government is not against giving foreign players licences, but it can only be done when all security concerns are addressed, Scindia clarified. To get the license, they have to comply with all rules.” It has to be looked at from a security standpoint, too,” he told reporters. This stance tells a lot about how important the government is for the protection of the security and regulatory principals of India by foreign entities.

Increasing interest in satellite based internet services has sparked the Union Minister’s comments. By its own admission, Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, uses a large network of low-earth orbit satellites to offer high speed internet. By identifying a wireless satellite as a means of communication, this model becomes promising for connecting remote regions where it is almost impossible to establish traditional internet infrastructure. Starlink, however, cannot roll out its services in India without a license.

According to Scindia the government specified a ‘specific format’ that companies such as Starlink are required to follow to secure licenses. “We’re ready to license to anyone Starlink.” We have to make them comply with all our conditions. The security concerns have to be seen to be addressed. There is a specific format. To check all the boxes, you have no choice. Enter everything you can and you get the license. ‘We’d be very happy if they do that, it’s just a question of doing that if all things are there, that is,’ he said.

Starlink’s Potential Hinges on Meeting India’s Security and Regulatory Standards

Starlink is not currently licensed in India. However, some people could still take interest into setting up Starlink’s satellite based internet services, but they would have to wait until the government officially gives approval. While the details of how much Starlink will charge users in India won’t be revealed until licensing is complete, it will be a competitive price based on its business model.

The impact of satellite based internet services like Starlink could be widespread on the internet, and with limited access in places. The idea of a Starlink future is far from fantasy: countries with clunky traditional internet providers have already already seen their countries benefit from Starlink, bringing access to high speed internet to rural and remote parts of the world which companies like the_now struggle to reach. Such technology is useful in India where it has very large rural populations but it’s only useful if there is careful planning and security measures.

Until the company completes licensing requirements, those in India interested in Elon Musk’s Starlink will have to wait for now. If you were wondering, does Starlink have a license in India? or “Do you think we will be able to install Starlink in India?” Starlink needs to ensure it can deliver the government’s demands and the answer is still conditional on this. As Musk’s satellite internet service has drawn headlines across the world, Scindia’s comments this week point out that India has its own needs and requirements that it must be respected.

It [the government of India wants] to ensure any service provided through satellites respects local regulations, privacy concerns and adheres to India’s larger digital infrastructure goals. The introduction of such services as Starlink has also to be taken into account in the sense of national security linked to the proximity to international borders. Scindia mentioned these security checks as part of the ‘specific format that every applicant applying including foreign companies like SpaceX have to follow.’

SpaceX’s Starlink plans to get internet to the most far away parts of the world. First, users can get online by connecting their small satellite dishes to a network of thousands of small satellites circling the Earth. What’s really interesting is that people all over the world, including remote areas, have been running reliable internet speeds comparable, if not better than, traditionally provided internet. Starlink could be revolutionary for connectivity where it can also be a challenge, such as rural and mountainous India.

Service support through Starlink app for Starlink users will also be available to them for satellite internet launch in India through Starlink. Starlink already has such an app available in many parts of the world that makes it easy to install and use Starlink’s services. Such was cost, the cost that has been a major point of interest for Starlink in the countries where it has launched, and should it gain clearance in India, the pricing offer would be likely to carry a competitive edge.

Now, as Starlink moves through the licensing process in the coming months, many in India will be watching it all closely. The government’s security and regulatory compliance driven focus will also be the results for Starlink’s application, which will also act as a roadmap for any other satellite based internet providers eyeing to enter the Indian market. But so far, India has to complete some steps for now, and only after it ticks all the boxes will India give the green light to Musk’s Starlink group.

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