India: Starlink approval imminent?
September 29, 2023
By Chris Forrester
Local reports in India say that SpaceX’s Starlink broadband-by-satellite service will be approved for operation and distribution in October.
One report, quoting local officials, said: “Processing Starlink’s application took a long time because the company was slow in completing the necessary documentation.”
Starlink has completed the full application process and India is now prepared to issue Starlink with its Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence.
There are still a few hurdles, including obtaining permissions from the Department of space, and Department of telecommunications (DoT), and India’s Home Ministry. However, these are expected to be quickly issued.
India’s GMPCS licence is required in order to offer voice and data services through satellite. The licence is good for 20 years.
However, there are comments which suggest that India would need to formally allocate or auction the spectrum needed to provide Starlink’s services.