ONEWEB SATELLITES
Elon Musk is the $350 billion rocket man who fell to earth
Elon Musk’s feud with Donald Trump highlights the risks of a $630 billion space economy dominated by SpaceX. As egos clash and public funds fuel private empires, governments reassess their codependence. The fallout may reshape global space policy, favoring competition, state control, and less tolerance for billionaire brinkmanship.
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.
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.
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.
Future hazy for BharatNet as Starlink, Kuiper eye rural India's connectivity
India's BharatNet project, aiming to connect rural areas with fibre broadband, faces questions about its future relevance due to the emergence of satellite communication from companies like Starlink and Kuiper. While fibre companies advocate for fibre-only solutions, others suggest a hybrid model incorporating both fibre and satellite, urging the government to consider subsidies for both technologies.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
EU regulators ask if Starlink is credible rival to SES, Intelsat
EU regulators are assessing SES's $3.1 billion bid for Intelsat, seeking input on whether SpaceX’s Starlink is a credible rival. Their decision, due June 10, could clear the deal or trigger a deeper probe amid growing competition in the satellite broadband market.
US firm Vast keen to use Indian rockets for rides to its planned space station
Vast, a US-based company, aims to launch the world's first commercial space station by next year and is exploring the possibility of using Indian rockets for crew transport. CEO Max Haot met with ISRO to discuss collaborations, expressing interest in India's Gaganyaan project and the potential for hosting science payloads.
DoT to soon roll out rules to allocate satellite spectrum
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is nearing completion of satellite spectrum allocation rules, with a draft expected soon for stakeholder input. Spectrum sharing will likely follow a first-come, first-served approach under the Telecommunications Act. While pricing awaits cabinet approval, the move aims for prompt service commencement, benefiting companies like Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-SES.
Spectrum of fees satcom players to pay 4% of AGR: Trai
India's telecom regulator has recommended administrative allocation of satcom spectrum for a fee, a move set to revolutionize satellite internet services. The proposal, suggesting a 4% AGR fee and no upfront charges, now awaits government approval. This decision follows months of debate and could significantly boost India's space economy, attracting major players like Starlink and Amazon Kuiper.
Trai pegs spectrum charges for satcom cos like Starlink at 4% of revenue; says levy not a blow to telcos
Telecom regulator Trai suggests satcom firms like Starlink pay 4% of revenue as spectrum charges. An additional annual fee applies to urban users. Trai also proposes subsidies for rural user terminals. Chairman Lahoti says satellite services will complement terrestrial ones. The DoT will review Trai's recommendations.
Elon Musk's Starlink on track for India entry after clearing DoT licence hurdle
Starlink has received a letter of intent from the DoT for a satcom license, marking progress in its plan to offer satellite broadband services in India. This followed Starlink's agreement to comply with security conditions, with some initially proposed rules being dropped.
Elon Musk’s Starlink gets Indian regulatory go-ahead for satcom services
Elon Musk’s Starlink has received a Letter of Intent from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to begin satellite communication services in the country. The clearance follows Starlink’s agreement to comply with newly imposed national security rules. The company is expected to bring satellite broadband to remote areas, focusing on in-home connectivity. Once regulatory approvals are in place and spectrum is allocated, Starlink could become the first satcom provider in India to offer both fixed and mobile services.
Need to feel secure with Satcoms flying
New DoT rules for satellite telecom services address security concerns with lawful interception, geofencing, and data privacy, especially crucial given satcom's reach in remote areas. While spectrum allocation and pricing remain key issues, operators are largely aligned with security requirements. Localisation metrics for ground equipment aim to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on potentially insecure foreign hardware.
India tightens satcom rules: Starlink, OneWeb, Jio-SES must meet 30 security norms to offer services
The telecom department has reinforced security for satcom permits in India, mandating stringent conditions for companies like Starlink and Jio-SES. These include local data centers, phased manufacturing, and NavIC-based positioning. The updated norms address inter-satellite links and mobility, ensuring data security and preventing unauthorized access, reflecting national security concerns.
Govt mandates legal interception of satcom services, bars data routing outside country
The Department of Telecom has established strict security regulations for satellite communication services in India, mandating legal interception and preventing user connections or data processing outside the country. Service providers must also indigenize a portion of their ground infrastructure.
India wants to know more about Starlink’s Pakistan and Bangladesh links: Report
Starlink faces Indian government scrutiny over its operations in Pakistan and Bangladesh amid heightened regional tensions, reported Business Standard. While it has made progress in India through deals with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, regulatory caution persists due to security concerns.
Jeff Bezos' space race feud with Elon Musk reignites as Project Kuiper challenges Starlink. But is there enough room in the orbit?
The rivalry between Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos heats up again as Amazon launches its first batch of Project Kuiper satellites, aiming to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink in the satellite internet market. With 3,236 satellites planned and regulatory deadlines looming, Kuiper poses a direct challenge to Starlink’s dominance, reigniting the billionaires’ long-standing space feud amidst growing concerns over orbital congestion.
Starlink dials Indian satcom, telecom and broadband cos for tieups
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, is in talks with Hughes, Nelco, and BSNL for partnerships. The aim is to quickly expand services in India. Starlink plans both direct services and collaborations. Vodafone Idea is also exploring potential tie-ups. Starlink aims to serve unserved areas and is working towards regulatory approvals.
Amazon set for launch of Starlink-rival satellites
After delaying an earlier attempt due to bad weather, Amazon is preparing to launch its first batch of Project Kuiper internet satellites on Monday, stepping into direct competition with Elon Musk's Starlink. Project Kuiper, a subsidiary of the online retail giant founded by Jeff Bezos, is playing catch-up with Starlink -- SpaceX's sprawling network of internet satellites that has reshaped the sector and handed Musk significant geopolitical clout.
Satcom companies urge DoT for quick spectrum allotment
The satcom industry is urging the DoT to expedite provisional satellite spectrum allocation, enabling Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio-SES to launch commercial satellite internet services in India. ISpA and BIF have requested DoT to mandate satcom players to undertake spectrum charges from the date of provisional assignment for commercial usage.
India a great market, confident of multiple players in satcom sector: Jyotiraditya Scindia on Musk's visit
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia supports increasing satellite internet providers in India, especially for rural areas. Licenses have been granted to companies backed by Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Bharti Mittal, and more may follow if security and regulatory standards are met. Scindia welcomes all companies, emphasizing the importance of satcom for last-mile connectivity and customer choice.
Tech firms urge govt to open up 6 GHz WiFi band without delay
Technology companies are urging the telecom ministry to reconsider auctioning the 6GHz WiFi band, emphasizing the ₹12.7 lakh crore annual loss due to delays in delicensing. Broadband India Forum highlights the band's importance for devices like AR/VR headsets and Wi-Fi 6E/7 gadgets, noting India risks falling behind as over 84 countries have already opened it up.
Globalstar, Apple's satcom partner, joins the race to enter India's space communications market
Globalstar, Apple's satcom partner, seeks regulatory approval to offer services in India, joining Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon Kuiper, and Reliance Jio in the space communications market race. Globalstar has applied to IN-SPACe for authorization and is expected to apply for a GMPCS license. The company has also secured test spectrum for disaster management demonstrations.
Amazon-backed Project Kuiper’s first full-scale LEO satellite launch on April 9
Amazon-backed Project Kuiper is set to deploy its first batch of LEO satellites on April 9 via a ULA Atlas V rocket. This mission marks a significant step toward providing global high-speed satellite internet, with initial service expected by year-end. Pending regulatory approvals in India, Kuiper plans extensive launches to support its over 3,200-satellite network.
OneWeb launches 40 satellites from SpaceX’s Florida space centre
OneWeb now has 542 LEO satellites in orbit. This was the company’s 16th launch, with two more remaining to complete its first-generation constellation for enabling global connectivity in 2023.
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