Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned satellite internet service provider Starlink has started talks with the department of telecommunications (DoT) to apply for a licence to offer satellite-based communication services in the country.
Starlink had started taking bookings for its satellite-based services from Indian customers a year ago but the government directed it to call off such bookings as it could not be done unless a valid license was granted by the government.
To provide satellite-based communication services, companies need to get Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the government, which Starlink is likely to apply for within a month.
A GMPCS licence will help the companies to offer voice and data services through satellite. The licence is issued for a period of 20 years and this allows companies to offer satellite communication services in licensed service areas.
DoT officials said, “Fresh talks have started with Starlink, they could soon apply for a regular licence (GMPCS licence) to offer satellite-based communication services in India. Currently, they are focusing on developing their team in India.”
Currently, the government has issued a letter of intent (LoI) to Bharti Group-backed OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications to offer satellite-based internet services. Jio Satellite will sign the licence agreement within a week.
