STARLINK
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 pegs spectrum charges for satcom cos like Starlink at 4% of revenue; says levy not a blow to telcos
Telecom regulator Trai suggests satcom firms like Starlink pay 4% of revenue as spectrum charges. An additional annual fee applies to urban users. Trai also proposes subsidies for rural user terminals. Chairman Lahoti says satellite services will complement terrestrial ones. The DoT will review Trai's recommendations.
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.
Elon Musk's Starlink on track for India entry after clearing DoT licence hurdle
Starlink has received a letter of intent from the DoT for a satcom license, marking progress in its plan to offer satellite broadband services in India. This followed Starlink's agreement to comply with security conditions, with some initially proposed rules being dropped.
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Elon Musk’s Starlink gets Indian regulatory go-ahead for satcom services
Elon Musk’s Starlink has received a Letter of Intent from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to begin satellite communication services in the country. The clearance follows Starlink’s agreement to comply with newly imposed national security rules. The company is expected to bring satellite broadband to remote areas, focusing on in-home connectivity. Once regulatory approvals are in place and spectrum is allocated, Starlink could become the first satcom provider in India to offer both fixed and mobile services.
Need to feel secure with Satcoms flying
New DoT rules for satellite telecom services address security concerns with lawful interception, geofencing, and data privacy, especially crucial given satcom's reach in remote areas. While spectrum allocation and pricing remain key issues, operators are largely aligned with security requirements. Localisation metrics for ground equipment aim to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on potentially insecure foreign hardware.
Airtel Africa teams up with SpaceX to offer Starlink net
Airtel Africa is collaborating with Elon Musk's SpaceX. The aim is to introduce Starlink's high-speed satellite internet across Africa. Licenses are secured in nine countries. Processes are underway for the remaining five. This partnership enhances Airtel's satellite connectivity. It will benefit businesses and communities. Rural expansion will occur through cellular backhauling. Airtel and SpaceX will explore further digital inclusion initiatives.
Apple plan to make India a manufacturing hub makes economic sense: Jyotiraditya Scindia
India is in the final stages of approving Starlink, but the Elon Musk-owned company is expected to play a minor role in connectivity compared to traditional telecom providers, according to Minister Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced Apple's plan to shift its entire mobile phone production to India.
Airtel inks pact with SpaceX to bring Starlink's connectivity solutions to Africa customers
Airtel Africa has partnered with SpaceX to introduce Starlink's high-speed internet across Africa, pending regulatory approvals in some regions. This collaboration aims to enhance connectivity for businesses and communities, particularly in rural areas, through satellite technology. Airtel Africa will also explore cellular backhauling and other opportunities with SpaceX to promote digital inclusion.
Airtel Africa partners with Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink high-speed satellite internet to customers
Airtel Africa is partnering with SpaceX to introduce Starlink's high-speed satellite internet across Africa. SpaceX has secured licenses in 9 of Airtel Africa's 14 operating countries, with the remaining 5 pending. This collaboration aims to enhance connectivity for businesses, communities, and remote areas, potentially expanding rural coverage.
India tightens satcom rules: Starlink, OneWeb, Jio-SES must meet 30 security norms to offer services
The telecom department has reinforced security for satcom permits in India, mandating stringent conditions for companies like Starlink and Jio-SES. These include local data centers, phased manufacturing, and NavIC-based positioning. The updated norms address inter-satellite links and mobility, ensuring data security and preventing unauthorized access, reflecting national security concerns.
Govt mandates legal interception of satcom services, bars data routing outside country
The Department of Telecom has established strict security regulations for satellite communication services in India, mandating legal interception and preventing user connections or data processing outside the country. Service providers must also indigenize a portion of their ground infrastructure.
Starlink is now available in Congo, Elon Musk says
The Congolese government said in March 2024 that use of Starlink was banned, with military officials warning that it could be used by rebel groups including Rwandan-backed M23, which has seized more territory than ever before in the east of the country this year.
High altitude platforms can provide secure, flexible coverage compared to satellites: Telecom industry body
Telecom industry body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) suggests high altitude platforms as a cost-effective alternative to satellites. These platforms offer secure and flexible coverage. Countries are investing heavily in this technology. COAI urges India to develop a regulatory framework for high altitude platform operations. This includes spectrum allocation and airspace management.
Congo grants licence to Starlink, reversing earlier ban
The Democratic Republic of Congo has granted Elon Musk’s Starlink a licence to operate, reversing a previous ban over security concerns. With internet access at just 30%, the move could boost connectivity in the conflict-hit nation. Starlink is expanding across Africa, recently securing licences in Somalia and Lesotho.
India wants to know more about Starlink’s Pakistan and Bangladesh links: Report
Starlink faces Indian government scrutiny over its operations in Pakistan and Bangladesh amid heightened regional tensions, reported Business Standard. While it has made progress in India through deals with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, regulatory caution persists due to security concerns.
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.
Starlink dials Indian satcom, telecom and broadband cos for tieups
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, is in talks with Hughes, Nelco, and BSNL for partnerships. The aim is to quickly expand services in India. Starlink plans both direct services and collaborations. Vodafone Idea is also exploring potential tie-ups. Starlink aims to serve unserved areas and is working towards regulatory approvals.
Elon Musk’s cost-cutting war on Uncle Sam hits his own wallet; world's richest man loses 25% of fortune in bid to dismantle wasteful spending
Elon Musk's fortune crash has shocked investors as the billionaire lost 25% of his wealth—over $113 billion—after joining Trump’s government project, DOGE. Tesla stock plunged 33%, wiping out $448.3 billion in value, as public backlash soared. Musk’s bold role in Washington brought influence and controversy, helping SpaceX, XAI, and X (formerly Twitter), but hurting his image. With rising disapproval and pressure from investors, Musk is now stepping back from government work. This powerful and personal shift raises questions about what’s next for Tesla and Musk’s empire. Here’s the full story behind the money, politics, and fallout
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.
Houthi rebels say alleged US airstrike that hit Yemen prison holding African migrants kills 68
Houthi rebels in Yemen claim a US airstrike struck a prison. The prison held African migrants. The strike allegedly killed 68 people and injured 47. The US military has not commented. The incident occurred in Saada governorate. This region is a Houthi stronghold. The US military acknowledged conducting over 800 strikes in Yemen.
Reliance Jio Q4 Results: Cons PAT jumps 26% YoY to Rs 7,022 crore, ARPU rises to Rs 206
Jio Platforms which houses Reliance Industries' (RIL) telecom and digital services business on Friday reported a 26% year-on-year jump in its March quarter consolidated net profit at Rs 7,022 crore versus Rs 5,587 crore in the year ago period.
Reliance-SpaceX deal: Jio to offer Starlink hardware, customer support setup underway
Reliance Jio plans to sell Starlink hardware at its retail outlets, pending regulatory approval for SpaceX's operations in India, following a recent agreement. This collaboration aims to enhance internet access, particularly in rural areas, by combining Jio's reach with Starlink's satellite technology. Jio's strong quarterly performance, with revenue and EBITDA growth, supports this expansion.
Won't raise stake in Vodafone Idea, telco must clear government dues: Jyotiraditya Scindia
Jyotiraditya Scindia clarifies the government will not increase its stake in Vodafone Idea. The aim is to prevent it from becoming a state-run entity. Starlink's permit is pending as it needs to meet all guidelines. The government is working towards making India Post profitable in the next five to six years.
India a great market, confident of multiple players in satcom sector: Jyotiraditya Scindia on Musk's visit
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia supports increasing satellite internet providers in India, especially for rural areas. Licenses have been granted to companies backed by Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Bharti Mittal, and more may follow if security and regulatory standards are met. Scindia welcomes all companies, emphasizing the importance of satcom for last-mile connectivity and customer choice.
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