Regulatory Hurdles Stall Commercial Launch of Satellite Broadband
Starlink, a satellite broadband operator, is facing regulatory hurdles in India due to concerns over foreign direct investment (FDI) and national security. Despite obtaining a GMPCS licence and authorisation from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), Starlink requires FDI clearance and security clearance to acquire the necessary spectrum from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The company’s complex ownership structure and reports of its terminals being used in Iran have raised concerns about potential misuse in national security situations. According to a report from ETTelecom, Starlink’s FDI application has been put on hold, and senior executives are expected to meet with commerce ministry officials to discuss the company’s proposal. This development was first reported by Developing Telecoms.