Bharti Group-backed OneWeb, Reliance Jio, and Elon Musk s Starlink could potentially launch satellite broadband services in India sooner than anticipated, as the Telecommunications Bill 2023 supports the non-auctions route for satellite spectrum allocation. Industry executives suggest that with the bill s approval, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) can directly manage satellite spectrum allocations, expediting the process compared to potential delays through auctions.
Reliance Jio: Experts believe 5G FWA suits homes, enterprises, and small and medium businesses (SMBs). Satcom suits the rural populace, strategic and defence applications, maritime and aeronautical services, and agriculture.
The government is analysing Amazon-owned Project Kuiper’s application for a global mobile personal communication by satellite services (GMPCS) permit. The licence will allow Amazon to offer broadband, voice, and messaging services from space to individuals as well as enterprise customers.
Reliance Jio: The report said that Wednesday, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) allotted ISP A (National Area) as well as Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) licenses to OneWeb. Jio satellite had received the ISP license last month, the publication reported, citing government officials.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has sought more clarity from Jeff Bezos-led Amazon on its satcom licence application. It includes answers on critical issues like setting up of satellite gateways, data storage and transfer amongst others. Along with DoT, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will conduct a security check on the application.