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Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance and Elon Musk’s Starlink are at odds over how India should allocate its satellite broadband spectrum.
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Reliance advocates for an auction process, while Starlink supports administrative allocation, citing global practices.
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Deloitte projects India’s satellite broadband market will grow 36% annually, reaching $1.9 billion by 2030.
The battle for India’s satellite spectrum has taken a new turn, with Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance challenging the telecom regulator’s stance on allocation. Reliance argues that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has prematurely interpreted the situation in favor of administrative allocation, rather than auction ¹. This debate has been ongoing since last year, with Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper supporting administrative allocation.
Reliance Jio, India’s leading telecom provider with 480 million users, has requested that the government auction satellite spectrum to ensure fair competition. Jio notes that global satellite constellations, including Starlink and Amazon Kuiper, are seeking spectrum and market access rights in India, posing a competitive threat to terrestrial networks.
The outcome of this debate will significantly impact India’s growing satellite broadband market. Deloitte projects that the market will grow at an annual rate of 36%, reaching $1.9 billion by 2030. TRAI’s recommendations will play a crucial role in the government’s final decision on spectrum allocation.
The Broadband India Forum (BIF) has dismissed Jio’s call for a level playing field, arguing that it demonstrates a misunderstanding of technology and law. However, Jio maintains that auctions are essential for fair competition, particularly as foreign competitors enter the voice and data services market. The telecom ministry’s response is eagerly awaited, and the story will be updated as more information becomes available.
