The Musk Factor: How Elon Views India's Satcom Market

Elon Musk has answered the call for a level playing field in India's satellite communications sector, saying that he likes a level playing field. His statement comes in the wake of Indian telecom behemoths Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) writing to the government for ensuring similar pricing of spectrum by satellite operators in order to prevent market distortions. The firms also contend that satellite services must pay the same regulatory charges and fees as ground-based operators. Starlink of Musk is gearing up to make a foray in India, but it is yet to be licensed, awaiting clearance for security reasons. The government has decided to allot satellite spectrum administratively, as opposed to the auction process for ground-based spectrum, creating controversy among stakeholders.

Source: India Today