Starlink’s launch in India now a matter of when, not if

Starlink Elon Musk received a scheduled state approval in India, opening doors to enter the second largest internet market in the world after China-over three years after Spacex Previous attempt In order to launch his broadband satellite satellite network in the country, he did not succeed in the end.

On Wednesday, the Indian Telecommunications Department nodded to the Starlinka to start working on its compliance in southern Asian nation, confirmed by senior TechCrunch official.

Starlink will now have to hand over documentation that shows that it is in line with licensing requirements. Earlier this week, New Delhi has announced his rules (PDF) for global mobile personal communication by satellite (GMPCS) operators to set clear security guidelines for companies, including Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper and others.

Some of these rules will help the Indian Government Censorship and intercept the traffic, just as it could do to the Earth Network operators and limit access to the user terminal “outside the coverage area of ​​geo-build and/or through Gateway located outside India.” Satellite companies must respect them to work in the country.

Spacex will also need the approval of the Indian Universe Regulator, the Indian National Center for Promotion and Authorization (U-Prostor), in order to enable its satellite communication services.

The official blend of Starlink’s connection in India would take six to nine months, according to people who are familiar with this issue.

Nevertheless, the latest move is a gesture of welcome from the Indian Government to Men, who has been wanting to start Starlink in the country for a long time to expand his user base. India has more than 1.4 billion people but only About 950 million internet subscribersMaking a nauseous market for Starlink or any other company that sells an internet connection to a different approach.

Authorization comes about two months after Indian telecommunications Air and Reliance Jio They announced their partnerships with Spacex to start Starlink’s online service in the country. However, the overturning plan was not easy through these partnerships, as Starlink was needed for independent regulatory approval.

In 2022. Spacex reprimanded to launch a starlink service in India without obtaining the necessary licenses. Company had to return the pre -orders of his equipment After the government invited him to “reservation/providing satellite internet services” before they get the necessary licenses.

However, the environment has now changed for Starlink, thanks to Musk’s close relations with Trump. Starlink was also reportedly used as an instrument of influence over countries prepared for trade conversations With USA

Last month, Indian Minister of Piyush Goyal trade Got to know Starlink’s executivesincluding his Indian Supir Parnila Udhwareshe, at his office in New Delhi. It was two months after the meeting between the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mošus in the United States Musk also recently announced plans to visit India This year. A visit could be an opportunity for a billionaire to oversee the progress Tesla’s operations in IndiaWhile EV car manufacturer also watches the most suited countries in the world – except for Starlink’s roll.

Having said that, Starlink is likely to face the local and international competition in satellite internet space in the country, as Anowebwhich is in partnership with Airtel, already has an approval from space and Jio Spacefiberwhich is a common investment between Reliance JIO and SES, it has approval from the point and in the space. Amazon Kuiper also wants to get approval Start your service When he is ready.

The Indian government also has to share the details of the spectrum that will assign satellite internet companies. At the end of 2023. The government enabled the distribution of a spectrum for satellite services through a particular fee Introducing a new telecommunication account. However, the correct requirements and fees that will be charged yet to be announced.

Spacex did not answer the comment request.