Starlink India Launch- Elon Musk to Receive Green Light for India Operations. Know more about it.
Elon Musk’s revolutionary satellite internet venture, Starlink, is on the verge of obtaining approval to launch its space broadband services in India.
Recent developments indicate that the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT) is likely to grant permission following a clarification provided by Starlink regarding its shareholding pattern.
This positive turn of events comes after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) temporarily withheld approval, seeking additional information on mandatory ownership disclosure details from the US-based company.
Sources close to the matter revealed that Starlink has promptly responded to DPIIT’s queries, and it is anticipated that the DoT will issue a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the company in the next few days or by the end of the current month.
Reportedly, Starlink has committed to refraining from providing services to countries that share borders with India, addressing a crucial concern raised during the approval process.
The DoT is now awaiting the final approvals from Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal and Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, which are expected to be secured by the upcoming week.
Once granted, the Satellite Communications Wing (SCW) will approve SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, to commence operations in India.
The DPIIT approvals are aligned with amendments made to the foreign investment policy in 2020, requiring government approval to declare complete shareholding details, especially in cases involving investments from countries sharing borders with India.
Initially, Starlink declined to disclose its shareholding details to the Indian government, citing adherence to US privacy policies.
However, the company clarified that no shareholders are from India’s neighbouring countries.
Starlink applied for a license from the DoT in 2022 to introduce satellite-based broadband services to the Indian market.
The company had anticipated entering the Indian market following a high-level meeting held between Starlink officials and government authorities in September 2023.
As the regulatory process progresses positively, Starlink’s potential entry into India holds promise for revolutionizing the country’s internet landscape.
Starlink’s advanced satellite technology aims to provide high-speed and reliable internet connectivity, especially in remote and underserved areas, contributing to the country’s digital empowerment and connectivity goals.
The imminent approval signifies a significant step towards realizing Elon Musk’s vision of making global internet coverage accessible through the innovative Starlink constellation.
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