STARLINK COMPETITION

Spectrum of fees satcom players to pay 4% of AGR: Trai
India's telecom regulator has recommended administrative allocation of satcom spectrum for a fee, a move set to revolutionize satellite internet services. The proposal, suggesting a 4% AGR fee and no upfront charges, now awaits government approval. This decision follows months of debate and could significantly boost India's space economy, attracting major players like Starlink and Amazon Kuiper.

TRAI satcom spectrum pricing balances need for govt revenue & satellite services affordability: ISpA
Indian Space Association (ISpA) praises TRAI's satellite spectrum pricing recommendations. ISpA acknowledges the balance between government revenue and affordable services. The association looks forward to continued collaboration with TRAI. TRAI suggests satellite companies pay 4% of adjusted gross revenue as spectrum charges. An 8% license fee is also applicable. TRAI recommends a five-year spectrum allocation, extendable by two years.

Trai counters concerns of satcom spectrum levy hurting telcos
Telecom regulator Trai has defended its spectrum levy recommendations for satcom companies, stating they won't distort the market or harm terrestrial players. Trai chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti emphasized the significant capacity difference between satellite and terrestrial networks, deeming them complementary rather than competitive. He also clarified that spectrum pricing for satcom is lower globally due to its pooled nature.

TRAI dismisses arguments of satcom competing with terrestrial telecom networks in near term
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India dismissed concerns about satellite communication impacting terrestrial mobile services. TRAI considers them complementary due to capacity differences. TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti stated no loss to telecom companies. TRAI recommended satcom firms like Starlink pay 4% of adjusted gross revenue as spectrum charges. Satellite services will remain complementary in the near future, says TRAI.

Satellite firm SES in talks with EU over long-term option to complement Starlink
SES is in talks with EU and governments to complement, not replace, Starlink amid rising demand for secure, European-led satellite communications. CEO Adel Al-Saleh highlighted strategic efforts to reduce reliance on foreign providers and expand SES’s multi-orbit fleet to bolster defense and connectivity resilience.

Jeff Bezos' space race feud with Elon Musk reignites as Project Kuiper challenges Starlink. But is there enough room in the orbit?
The rivalry between Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos heats up again as Amazon launches its first batch of Project Kuiper satellites, aiming to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink in the satellite internet market. With 3,236 satellites planned and regulatory deadlines looming, Kuiper poses a direct challenge to Starlink’s dominance, reigniting the billionaires’ long-standing space feud amidst growing concerns over orbital congestion.
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Amazon launches first Kuiper internet satellites, taking on Starlink
Amazon launched its first 27 Kuiper satellites from Florida. This marks the start of its internet-from-space project. It aims to rival SpaceX's Starlink. The launch was initially delayed due to bad weather. Amazon plans to launch over 3,000 satellites. The company aims to provide internet to consumers, businesses, and governments.
Amazon set for launch of Starlink-rival satellites
After delaying an earlier attempt due to bad weather, Amazon is preparing to launch its first batch of Project Kuiper internet satellites on Monday, stepping into direct competition with Elon Musk's Starlink. Project Kuiper, a subsidiary of the online retail giant founded by Jeff Bezos, is playing catch-up with Starlink -- SpaceX's sprawling network of internet satellites that has reshaped the sector and handed Musk significant geopolitical clout.
Elon Musk's no-show and why India should consider betting on BYD for its EV future
After Elon Musk's abrupt cancellation of his India trip to prioritize a deal in China, India is urged to diversify its EV strategy. The article suggests embracing BYD, a leading Chinese EV manufacturer, to boost India's EV ambitions and address the trade deficit with China.
Musk's SpaceX says ‘hack us’—Here’s $100,000 If you can crack Starlink’s security defences
SpaceX is offering up to $100,000 to security researchers who help identify vulnerabilities in its Starlink satellite internet system. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance security and safeguard user data. The company’s bug bounty program has already uncovered 43 bugs, with payouts averaging $913.75 in the last three months. SpaceX aims to protect its rapidly expanding satellite network, which now serves over 100 countries worldwide.
Airbus, Thales, Leonardo CEOs to discuss satellite merger with EU antitrust chief
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo are exploring a potential merger of their satellite businesses to better compete with companies like Elon Musk's Starlink. Executives from the three European aerospace companies are scheduled to meet with EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera on Wednesday to discuss the tentative plans.
Amazon to launch first batch of Starlink-rival satellites
According to a statement from Amazon, the satellites represent a significant upgrade from the two prototype satellites successfully tested during a mission in October 2023. Like Starlink, the service is designed to provide internet access to even the most remote and underserved areas around the world, including war zones or disaster-struck areas.
For Musk's Starlink, India approval could unlock emerging markets
Starlink is close to getting regulatory approval for satellite broadband services in India. It has made agreements with Airtel and Jio. This move is expected to boost the company's presence in emerging markets, with a potential $25 billion market in India. Approval could lead to cheaper broadband and significant growth in the satellite market.
Vodafone Idea, Jio, Airtel likely set for relief worth thousands of crores as govt plans SUC waiver
The government plans to waive spectrum usage charges for airwaves bought before September 2021, benefiting telecom firms like Vodafone Idea, Airtel, and Reliance Jio as they expand 5G services. Vodafone Idea could save around ?8,000 crore, aiding its financial struggles. Starlink will still pay charges on administratively allocated spectrum.
P2P lending slumps; HCL-Foxconn’s new hunt
Happy Monday! The central bank’s regulatory sword hangs heavy on the peer-to-peer (P2P) lending sector. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Vodafone Idea in talks with Musk's Starlink? Telco clarifies
Vodafone Idea clarified its discussions with satellite communication providers, including Starlink, as part of its strategy to improve service quality and expand offerings, following a spike in its share price. The stock price closed at Rs 7.45, up 4.93%. Also, Bharti Airtel and Jio have agreements with Starlink to deliver superfast internet in India.
Vodafone Idea shares rise 4% as telco rolls out 5G in Mumbai, eyes satcom partnerships
Vodafone Idea saw its stock rise 4.3% following the launch of 5G services in Mumbai, offering unlimited data at competitive prices. The company is also in talks with satellite communication players like Starlink and Amazon Kuiper to enhance connectivity, particularly in remote areas.
China’s DeepSeek dive; RBI’s Scapia nod
China’s AI race has gotten the DeepSeek fillip, with its tech bigwigs now catching up. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
India's remote corners need satellite internet, Scindia says in boost to Musk
India is emphasizing the need for satellite internet to achieve comprehensive connectivity, particularly in rural areas. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted its importance for connecting remote regions and in disaster scenarios. Global firms like Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are showing interest, but must meet security conditions and navigate regulatory licensing.
When push comes to Musk
Sajjan Jindal and Sunil Mittal raise concerns over Tesla and Starlink's impact on Indian industries. While Jindal doubts Tesla's competition with local automakers, Mittal urges collaboration in telecom to enhance rural coverage, noting potential advantages of satellite services and the implications of partnerships with Musk's ventures.
India may not be the promised land for Elon Musk
Elon Musk's ventures, Tesla and Starlink, face significant hurdles in India's market due to customer preferences, regulation, and competition. Starlink's high costs limit its appeal to urban users, while Tesla struggles with pricing and strong local competitors. Despite potential collaborations, India's regulatory landscape and market dynamics make substantial disruption unlikely for Musk's businesses.
Starlink's India tie-ups support view of satcom complementing telcos' offerings: Citi report
Starlink's collaborations with Jio and Bharti Airtel highlight that satellite communication services are seen as complementary to existing telecom offerings in India. These partnerships aim to enhance connectivity in remote areas and expand business services, easing concerns over satellite services being a competitive threat to traditional telecom firms.
Starlink's satellite broadband poses limited threat to Indian telcos: Report
Starlink's satellite broadband services won't significantly challenge Indian telecom leaders Jio and Bharti Airtel due to their competitive pricing, higher speeds, and unlimited data offerings. Starlink's service is more suited to expanding internet access in remote regions. Collaboration with Indian telcos focuses on distribution, with Jio and Bharti aiming to reach underserved areas.
Reliance joins the race: Jio signs deal to bring SpaceX's Starlink internet to India after Airtel's pact
Jio Platforms has signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer Starlink’s satellite-based internet services in India. This move follows a similar partnership between Bharti Airtel and Starlink. The deal is subject to regulatory approval, but it signals a major shift in India’s internet landscape, particularly in rural areas. With satellite technology bypassing traditional infrastructure, Starlink could transform connectivity while forcing existing providers to reassess pricing and service quality.
Starlink, star bright first satcom tonight?
Airtel's partnership with Starlink seeks to extend internet coverage in India. With 40% of Indians lacking internet access, lowering the cost of satellite communications is crucial. Regulatory support and local partnerships are needed to make satcom services more affordable in rural regions.
Elon Musk's Starlink signs deal with Bharti Airtel, Jio for high speed internet in India: Check likely price, speed, plan, and more
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is set to bring its Starlink satellite internet service to India through two major telecom giants— Jio Platforms and Bharti Airtel. While both companies have announced agreements with SpaceX, regulatory approvals remain a key hurdle before operations can begin. Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network promises to revolutionise internet access, especially in rural and remote areas where traditional infrastructure struggles.
It's Ambani vs Mittal, again! Sky is not the limit this time around
Starlink Jio Airtel Deal: Telecom giants Airtel and Jio have signed a pact with Starlink to offer broadband internet in India, pending regulatory approval. This partnership aims to enhance high-speed internet access, especially in remote regions. Through this collaboration, all parties hope to strengthen their market presence and improve digital connectivity across the country.
Reliance Jio and Airtel link up with the Star while Vodafone Idea will face the heat on earth
Airtel and Jio are nearing a deal to bring Elon Musk's Starlink to India, promising super-fast internet services subject to government approval. This could impact Vodafone Idea (Vi) as its shares fell nearly 5% and it lags in 5G rollout. Vi faces challenges with subscriber churn and financial issues amidst this fierce competition.
Musk's Starlink set to disrupt India's internet market
SpaceX's Starlink is set to enter India's internet market through a partnership with Bharti Airtel, promising to revolutionise connectivity in rural areas. With advanced satellite technology, Starlink aims to overcome the traditional infrastructure limitations, potentially increasing competition and digital inclusion in India's vast and underserved regions.
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