Overview
- On May 7, the Department of Telecommunications issued Starlink a Letter of Intent, clearing the way for a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite licence.
- Company officials are expected in New Delhi imminently to formalise GMPCS licence terms after agreeing to new security and operational conditions.
- Starlink must establish an in-country command and control centre; comply with data localisation norms; and secure final clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- After obtaining the GMPCS licence, Starlink will submit its IN-SPACe authorisation application; regulators have proposed spectrum charges of 4% of adjusted gross revenue and an 8% licence fee.
- The service will leverage partnerships with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to bridge connectivity gaps in remote regions; hardware kits cost up to Rs 50,000, raising concerns over subscription affordability.