Indian Govt. denies particular remedy for Elon Musk’s Starlink in satellite tv for pc spectrum Allocation – Firstpost

The Ministry of Communications has firmly denied ideas that the choice to allocate satellite tv for pc spectrum by way of an administrative course of was supposed to learn Elon Musk’s Starlink. Addressing a question within the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar clarified that the Telecommunications Act, 2023, permits for such spectrum assignments for satellite-based providers as outlined in its First Schedule.

The Minister emphasised that the framework applies broadly to satellite tv for pc communication providers and isn’t tailor-made to any particular firm. The suggestion that Starlink influenced the federal government’s method, he stated, is fully unfounded.

Income and spectrum allocation

Considerations about income loss because of the administrative allocation of spectrum have been additionally addressed. The Minister defined that administratively assigned spectrum will not be free — it’s chargeable and contributes to authorities income.

He added that the Division of Telecommunications (DoT) has sought suggestions from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on phrases and pricing for spectrum allocation. This course of, he assured, will preserve a good enjoying area between satellite-based providers and conventional terrestrial communication suppliers.

Safeguards towards misuse

Responding to issues concerning the potential misuse of satellite tv for pc providers by non-state actors or hostile entities, the Minister highlighted the stringent licensing framework in place.

Beneath the Unified License (UL) regime, satellite-based communication suppliers should adjust to strict licensing phrases, together with sturdy safety situations. These safeguards, he said, are designed to make sure that any satellite tv for pc communication providers in India function inside safe and controlled parameters.

A clear method

The federal government’s clarification comes as satellite-based web providers achieve international consideration, with corporations like Starlink aiming to broaden operations. By rejecting claims of bias, the Ministry has underscored its dedication to transparency and equity in policymaking. The executive allocation of spectrum, it argues, helps innovation whereas adhering to nationwide safety and regulatory frameworks.

This measured method is meant to encourage funding in satellite tv for pc communications whereas addressing issues about competitors and safety, paving the way in which for a balanced and forward-looking communications panorama in India.