TRAI Mulling 5-Year Satellite Spectrum License For Starlink In India

India's telecom regulator TRAI is mulling to hand a five-year allocation period for satellite broadband spectrum to evaluate initial market response, which contradicts Elon Musk-owned Starlink's request for a 20-year authorisation, according to a Reuters report which quoted sources familiar with the matter.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is finalising key recommendations for the government regarding the duration and cost of satellite spectrum, which will be assigned through administrative allocation rather than auction.

Musk Partners Indian Telecom Companies

In a significant shift in market dynamics, Mukesh Ambani's Jio Platforms announced an unexpected collaboration with SpaceX to offer Starlink's satellite Internet services in India on Wednesday. This announcement came just one day after competitor Bharti Airtel announced a similar arrangement.

The Jio partnership will enable Starlink products to be distributed through Ambani's extensive Reliance retail network. This marks a dramatic reversal in their previous competitive stance, as Ambani's telecom subsidiary had previously advocated strongly for spectrum auctions rather than the administrative allocation that Musk preferred.

According to public submissions, Starlink has urged Indian authorities to allocate spectrum for 20 years to enable "affordable pricing and longer-term business plans," while Reliance had requested a three-year period followed by market reassessment. 

Bharti Airtel, similarly, supported a 3-5 year allocation timeframe.