Jio and Airtel Push for Fair Satellite Spectrum Pricing Amid Starlink’s Pending Entry into India
Reliance Jio and Airtel have asked the government to create equal competition conditions for satellite communications. Before Starlink launched its market entry, two telecom giants demands equal spectrum fee regulations from authorities. The administration has completed its assessment about satellite spectrum allocation at a time when these statements emerge.
Concerns Over Satellite Spectrum Pricing
According to the December 2023 telecom law satellite spectrum allocation can be processed administratively following fee payment guidelines. The method of terrestrial band spectrum distribution occurs through competitive auctions but satellite spectrum allocation is conducted by administrative assignment. Airtel and Jio have expressed their opposition towards the present pricing structure because it generates unjust market situations.The telecom providers maintain that satellite operators should face the same fees charged to terrestrial telecom companies so all operators have equal business conditions.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India(Trai) is developing special pricing along with distribution guidelines for satellite spectrum. The two telcos have highlighted that satellite operators operating large satellite constellation networks might affect market competition most prominently in urban environments.
LEO-satellites are the subject of industry concerns because they provide broadband speeds which match those available through terrestrial connectivity. The two companies fear that the approach will negatively impact retail customers and enterprise clients, who are mainly present in high-demand markets.
Starlink’s Regulatory Review
Indians residing in unconnected areas will receive advantages through Starlink satellite broadband after the establishment of its LEO-based services. The authorities need to confirm security checks before Starlink can obtain its satellite communications license. The satellite communications sector maintains heightened tension because Jio and Airtel along with other Indian telecom companies are pushing for strict regulatory guidelines.
The government continues to use ITU standards-based administrative protocols to distribute satellite spectrum according to its position. The administrative process provides advantages to Starlink by reducing its operating costs.
Domestic companies participate in spectrum auction events by making large investments which causes them to express concerns about the present situation.The government maintains different positions compared to Jio and Airtel because it disagrees with their opinion about the system’s potential to benefit commercial satellite providers at an unfair level.
Geopolitical and Security Concerns
The Indian market entry of Starlink creates multiple security and geopolitical issues which must be assessed. The government demands that all data collected by foreign satellites must stop processing inside national borders to protect data sovereignty.
Before Starlink obtains its final license the Ministry of Home Affairs continues to investigate key matters. The company faces potential delays in its India startup because authorities examine critical issues that affect the approval process for Starlink service operations in the country.
