Trai to limit satellite permits to 5 yrs, defying Starlink

India's telecom regulator plans to recommend that satellite broadband spectrum be allotted for around five years to assess initial market adoption, defying Elon Musk's Starlink, which is seeking a 20-year permit, said a senior government source.

- Reuters

NEW DELHI:

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is currently working on key recommendations to the government, including a time frame and pricing of satellite spectrum, which will be administratively allotted.

Musk and Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani forged a partnership this week that will allow Starlink devices to be sold in Ambani's Reliance stores, giving it large distribution access. They were rivals earlier - Ambani's telco subsidiary had unsuccessfully lobbied New Delhi for months to auction spectrum, and not allot it administratively as Musk wanted.