Starlink Nears India Launch with Imminent Satcom License; Amazon Kuiper Faces Longer Wait

Elon Musk’s Starlink is expected to receive the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) within June 2025, following timely compliance with all security requirements tied to its letter of intent issued in May. This marks a significant step toward launching Starlink’s high-speed satellite broadband services in India after a multi-year wait.

Highlights:

• Starlink fulfilled security and compliance conditions by June 7 deadline.

• GMPCS license issuance expected within June 2025.

• Approval from Indian space regulator In-SPACe is in the final stages.

• Subsequent provisional spectrum allocation will follow In-SPACe clearance.

Procedural Steps Ahead Before Commercial Launch Expected in 9 Months

Though Starlink is poised for license approval, further procedural steps remain, including establishment of gateways, a Network Operations Centre, and lawful interception capabilities as mandated by Indian authorities. The company plans to deploy three gateways across India, and a commercial launch is anticipated approximately nine months after regulatory approvals are finalized.

Highlights:

• Setup of gateways and Network Operations Centre required.

• Lawful interception and local command control center mandatory.

• Commercial services launch projected in about nine months.

Amazon Kuiper Still Awaiting LoI, Application Processing Delayed

Amazon’s satellite broadband initiative, Project Kuiper, faces delays as its letter of intent (LoI) from the DoT remains pending. Despite fulfilling security and operational criteria, Kuiper’s application has not progressed due to the lack of recent inter-ministerial standing committee meetings since December 2024. Its LoI is expected to be discussed at upcoming committee sessions.

Highlights:

• Kuiper’s LoI application under extended review.

• No inter-ministerial meeting since December 2024 delays progress.

• Kuiper has launched 27 satellites out of planned 3,236 for global coverage.

Kuiper’s Ambitious India Plans to Rival Starlink’s Deployment

Kuiper aims to build a robust satellite communications presence in India, proposing 10 gateways and two points of presence in Mumbai and Chennai, surpassing Starlink’s plan of three gateways. Amazon has been actively building its India team, led by South Asia strategy head Rahul Savoor, to operationalize Project Kuiper in the region.

Highlights:

• Kuiper plans 10 gateways and multiple presence points in India.

• Active recruitment and infrastructure planning underway.

• Commercial service readiness expected around the same time as Starlink.

Telcos Raise Concerns Over Satellite Spectrum Pricing Recommendations

Indian telecom operators, through industry body COAI, have strongly opposed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)’s proposed 4% adjusted gross revenue (AGR) charge on satellite spectrum. COAI argues the pricing model is inequitable compared to terrestrial spectrum auction fees, potentially distorting market competition and threatening terrestrial telecom viability.

Highlights:

• COAI representing Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea objects to TRAI’s satellite spectrum pricing.

• Current proposal seen as non-transparent and not based on factual data.

• Calls for revisiting pricing to ensure fair competition between satellite and terrestrial players.

Starlink’s expected license approval marks a major milestone in India’s satellite broadband landscape, while Amazon Kuiper’s longer wait underscores the competitive dynamics in this emerging sector. Meanwhile, pricing debates reflect ongoing regulatory balancing acts between satellite and traditional telecom operators.