DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Satcom permit may force Starlink to share information on illegal kits seized
India's security agencies have pointed out the misuse of Starlink devices in Indian territory, especially in the border areas, officials said. But the Musk company hasn't been cooperating in sharing details of those devices. Officials said Starlink asked the security agencies to put their requests either via the US law enforcement or international protocols.
Starlink becomes latest entrant to get a satcom licence in India
Elon Musk's Starlink has secured a crucial licence from India's telecoms ministry. This approval removes a significant obstacle. It brings Starlink closer to launching commercial services in India. Starlink joins OneWeb and Reliance Jio. These companies have already received similar approvals. They are set to provide services across the nation.
Tech companies seek higher power limit for Wi-Fi devices
The tech industry urges a review of Wi-Fi power levels in the 6 GHz band. They seek alignment with global standards for better performance and affordable devices. The Department of Telecommunications is drafting rules for low-power wireless systems. Industry experts believe current power levels may limit device range. Broadband India Forum requests delicensing of additional spectrum for economic benefits.
DoT to review public sourcing policy
The Department of Telecommunications is set to reassess its public procurement policy, emphasizing the Make-in-India initiative. This review aims to incorporate more products and potentially ease local sourcing requirements, acknowledging challenges in achieving high local content in electronic and telecom products. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on product inclusion, local content requirements, and calculation criteria within 30 days.
Musk's Starlink clears major India hurdle; in line for satcom licence after agreeing to new set of conditions
Starlink is close to launching satellite services in India. The government approved its application for a key licence. This follows a letter of intent issued to the company. Starlink accepted new conditions from the Department of Telecommunications. They also fulfilled fee requirements. Representatives will finalise paperwork soon. The company aligned with licensing conditions.
Nvidia on m-cap podium; Flipkart’s block deals
GPU giant Nvidia has once again become the most valued publicly traded company in the world, boasting strong financials and sector dominance. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
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Starlink to get licence to operate in India soon: Jyotiraditya Scindia
Starlink is nearing final approval to operate in India, following the issuance of a Letter of Intent. OneWeb and Reliance already hold licenses, with Starlink expected to undergo testing after approvals. Project Kuiper is also eyeing entry, while TRAI has set spectrum charges, sparking debate over fairness compared to terrestrial networks.
Telecom department plans to relax local content requirements under Make in India policy
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is set to revise its public procurement policy, potentially incorporating more products under the Make-in-India initiative. This review aims to address challenges in achieving high local content (LC) due to India's limited component ecosystem.
Levy SUC on shared spectrum bands only, TDSAT tells DoT
The Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has overturned a DoT order demanding an additional 0.5% spectrum usage charge (SUC) on the entire bandwidth of operators sharing airwaves. This decision favors Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, potentially saving them ₹1,600 crore and ₹300 crore, respectively.
'Unjustifiably low' satcom spectrum price, says COAI
India's leading telecom operators have strongly criticised the telecom regulator's satcom recommendations, deeming the spectrum pricing as unfairly low and based on flawed assumptions. They argue that the proposals lack transparency, create an uneven playing field, and threaten the sustainability of terrestrial services.
CCPA issues guidelines to regulate walkie-talkie sales on ecommerce platforms
The new framework aims to check the sale of walkie-talkies without proper frequency disclosure, licensing information, or Equipment Type Approval (ETA) - practices that violate the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Trai seeks views on backhaul spectrum pricing in relief push for telcos, Vodafone Idea could benefit most
The telecom regulator, TRAI, is reviewing the pricing and assignment of backhaul airwaves, potentially easing the financial strain on telecom operators like Vodafone Idea. This move, prompted by the new Telecommunications Act, involves seeking stakeholder comments on various spectrum bands and usage models. The consultation addresses pricing, spectrum allocation, and the possibility of license-exempt V-band usage.
Trai may review pricing method for backhaul airwaves
Trai is contemplating a revision in the pricing methodology for backhaul airwaves, potentially alleviating the financial strain on telecom operators, particularly Vodafone Idea. A consultation paper will soon be released to discuss modalities with stakeholders, including pricing for E and V bands. Vodafone Idea currently faces a higher financial burden due to its extensive use of backhaul carriers.
India focused on making telecom ubiquitous, ensuring customer safety on digital highway: Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted India's telecom advancements, from 5G rollout to 6G patent filings, emphasizing customer protection with initiatives like the Sanchar Mitra Scheme and Sanchar Sathi portal, which has disconnected 3.4 crore fake connections. He unveiled 'Innovate to Transform' as the theme for India Mobile Congress 2025, projecting India as a design and innovation hub.
Jio seeks nod from telecom regulator to use 26 GHz band for WiFi
Reliance Jio has requested approval from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) to utilise 26 GHz band radiowaves for WiFi services. This move follows the 2022 spectrum auction where Jio acquired spectrum in various bands, including 26 GHz. The NIA mandates prior clearance when spectrum assigned for 5G is used for other technologies, ensuring adherence to standards.
Centre to safeguard national interests as global Satcom players seek entry
The government is prioritizing national safeguards as satcom services become mainstream, anticipating dominance from overseas firms like Starlink and Amazon Kuiper. Measures include a '900 crore satcom monitoring facility, reserving resources for Indian satellites, and creating a favorable ecosystem for gateways. These initiatives aim to empower Indian companies and establish India as a major player in the satellite market.
From stolen to recovered: How mobile phones are being returned to owners
Stolen phones are finding their way back to owners in India. This is largely due to the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal. The portal helps police track stolen handsets using their IMEI numbers. Ghaziabad police have recovered over 1,200 phones. Many individuals, upon learning they possessed a stolen device, willingly returned them.
Satcom plans may come in at less than Rs 840 a month
Satellite communication providers like Starlink may introduce promotional unlimited data plans in India for under $10 per month, aiming for a large user base to offset high spectrum costs. However, capacity constraints of satellite constellations could hinder Starlink's market share ambitions in India, despite low pricing strategies. Satcom broadband remains significantly pricier than terrestrial options, posing a challenge for competitiveness.
Stuck UPI payment on PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm? Possible fraud prevention against flagged mobile number
To combat financial crime, the Department of Telecommunications has adopted the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI), disseminated through the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP). This risk-based metric classifies mobile numbers based on their association with potential fraud, enabling proactive interventions by UPI platforms like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm.
Paytm founder calls out scamster impersonating him; shares screenshots of hilarious exchange
Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma hilariously exposed a scammer impersonating him on WhatsApp. The fraudster sought company fund details and sent a suspicious .exe file. Sharma played along humorously. Meanwhile, India's DoT launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator to combat cyber fraud, alongside Airtel's new fraud detection solution.
DoT introduces 'Financial Fraud Risk Indicator' to fight cyber fraud
The Telecom Department's 'Financial Fraud Risk Indicator' (FRI) enhances intelligence sharing with financial institutions to combat cyber fraud. This tool classifies mobile numbers based on fraud risk, enabling swift action against suspected scams. PhonePe, an early adopter, uses FRI to decline high-risk transactions and alert users, demonstrating the model's effectiveness in predicting cyber fraud involvement.
DoT seeks feedback on 6GHz band draft, paves way for 9.6 Gbps speeds
The Indian government is set to boost home WiFi speeds by delicensing the lower 6 GHz spectrum band, making 500 MHz of airwaves available. This move, following global trends, enables faster data speeds and supports advanced technologies like WiFi 6E and 7.
Vodafone Idea shares dive 12% as SC rejects $5B dues waiver
Vodafone Idea shares plummeted after the Supreme Court rejected its plea to waive over $5 billion in interest and penalties on statutory dues. The telecom operator, burdened with $25 billion in net debt, had sought relief from the Department of Telecommunications, warning about its survival. Despite the government converting some dues into equity, the company faces significant financial stress.
New telecom policy targets 2x export growth, one million jobs by 2030
India's upcoming National Telecom Policy (NTP) aims to double telecom exports and achieve universal connectivity by 2030. The policy targets increasing the ICT sector's GDP contribution to 11% and attracting significant investment in telecom infrastructure. Focus will be on job creation in emerging technologies and integrating satellite networks to expand services, ensuring 4G/5G coverage and fiber connectivity across the nation.
After Vodafone, Airtel moves Supreme Court over AGR dues
Bharti Airtel has petitioned the Supreme Court for relief in AGR dues, following Vodafone Idea's plea for a waiver of over Rs 45,000 crore in interest and penalties. Airtel, disputing the DoT's Rs 44,000 crore figure, warns that these dues threaten its viability and the telecom sector's competitiveness, especially with the Supreme Court's strict 10-year payment timeline.
Shift to authorisation regime may not be must for buying spectrum
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is likely to ease a rule in the draft spectrum allocation, potentially allowing Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) to acquire airwaves in future auctions, even if they maintain their current licensing agreements.
Vodafone Idea moves SC for Rs 30,000 crore AGR dues waiver, hearing set for May 19
Vodafone Idea has filed a fresh plea in the Supreme Court seeking a waiver of over Rs 30,000 crore in AGR-related dues. The telco argued its financial incapacity and strategic importance to telecom competition.
Vodafone Idea moves SC seeking Rs 30,000 crore waiver on AGR dues; hearing set for May 19
Vodafone Idea has approached the Supreme Court for a waiver on its Adjusted Gross Revenue dues. The company seeks relief of over Rs 30,000 crore. Mukul Rohatgi argued that Vodafone Idea's survival is crucial for telecom competition. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the plea on May 19. Vodafone Idea faces financial distress and seeks government support.
Make space! Jeff Bezos’ Project Kuiper eyes India’s satellite internet market after Musk’s Starlink
Jeff Bezos' Project Kuiper is seeking expedited approval from the Department of Telecommunications to enter India's satellite internet market, following in the footsteps of Elon Musk's Starlink. Kuiper plans a significant presence with 10 gateways and two points of presence, aiming to launch commercial services later this year.
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