The entry of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite-based internet service in the India will have no impact on the country's space industry, IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Kumar Goenka has said.
The comments came as India’s biggest telecom companies Jio Platforms and Bharti Airtel announced partnerships with US satellite internet giant US satellite internet giant in quick succession.
“What SpaceX is doing, no other Indian company is doing. Therefore, I do not see any impact on the space industry,” the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center chairman said in an interview to Moneycontrol on March 12.
Earlier in the day, Jio announced a pact with SpaceX to bring Starlink's internet services to India, a day after a similar deal was signed by Bharti Airtel.
The agreements are contingent on SpaceX obtaining authorisation to sell Starlink in India. Regulatory approvals remain a hurdle for Starlink's launch in India. IN-SPACe and the Department of Telecommunications have not authorised SpaceX to begin Starlink’s operations.
Moneycontrol reported on November 11 that Starlink agreed to meet the government’s data localisation and security requirements, which had been a point of contention.
The company had in 2021 taken pre-orders but had to refund payments after failing to secure the necessary approvals.
While its entry could influence India’s telecom landscape, Goenka said it was outside the purview of the space regulator.
Starlink’s satellite internet services could complement existing efforts to enhance digital connectivity in rural and remote areas.
The government has been pushing for wider internet access, and satellite-based solutions are expected to play a role in bridging the digital divide.
Goenka said India’s space sector is expected to remain largely unaffected despite United States announcing new tariffs and the possibility of reciprocal measures.
India has already taken steps to ensure that tariff fluctuations do not disrupt the country’s space industry, he said.
Disclosure: Moneycontrol is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.
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