India said to be easing entry conditions for Musk's Starlink

Satellite high-speed internet company could help transform lives of millions in country

- Rohini Mohan

The Indian government is reportedly looking to relax some conditions for Mr Elon Musk's satellite high-speed internet company, suggesting that Starlink might soon obtain regulatory approval to operate in the country after a marathon pursuit.

Data security concerns and pushback from domestic telecom companies have delayed Starlink's approval since 2021.

Decisions have been complicated by Mr Musk's close relationship with US President-elect Donald Trump, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government wary of upsetting the politically influential billionaire. India is also keen for Mr Musk to fulfil his promise of building a factory in the country for his Tesla electric cars.

The American company's impending arrival in the world's second-largest telecommunications market could transform the provision of fast, affordable, and reliable internet to underserved regions in India, particularly in remote areas. Some 37 per cent of India's 1.4 billion population are still without internet access, according to EY-Parthenon, a consulting company.

Unlike terrestrial internet providers, which rely on cables or fibre-optic infrastructure, satellite connectivity is ideal for reaching rural, remote, or hilly areas where laying cables is impractical or too expensive.

Starlink already operates in more than 100 countries and has capabilities said to be superior to its rivals, but it has not had a straightforward path to getting a foot in India's door.

SECURITY CONCERNS

In October, India's Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said Starlink must address the government's security concerns before licence approval is given to the satellite-based internet service launched by Mr Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX.

India's National Security Directive on the Telecommunications Sector (NSDTS) mandates that telecom service providers procure and deploy trusted product or components from trusted sources only.