In anticipation of Elon Musk's upcoming trip to India, reports suggest that Starlink, his satellite-based internet venture, has received provisional approval from the Ministry of Communications.
Sources indicate that the approval process currently lies with Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, pending final clearance from the Home Ministry on certain security matters.
It's noted that the commercial aspects have been thoroughly assessed, addressing concerns regarding foreign investment and financial standing, while technical requirements have been scrutinized in alignment with licensing conditions.
Upon receiving approval from Vaishnaw, Starlink will be granted a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) services license, a prerequisite for offering satellite communication services within the nation.
Musk had previously made attempts to introduce his satellite internet service in India. The most recent endeavor was in November 2022, when Starlink sought a GMPCS license. However, disputes with the government, particularly regarding pre-orders without proper licensing, led to the cancellation of planned satellite communication service trials in the country.
In December of the preceding year, the government enacted The Telecommunications Bill 2023, facilitating spectrum allocation for satellite-based services without the necessity of auction participation. This legislative move is advantageous for companies like OneWeb, Musk's Starlink, and Amazon's Kuiper.
Recently, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX confirmed his forthcoming visit to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During this visit, significant announcements are expected, including the launch of Starlink and investments in the range of $2 billion to $3 billion within the country.
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