Connect with us

Latest News

Elon Musk Praises India’s Move to Allocate Satellite Spectrum, but Telecom Giants Voice Concerns!

Published

on

Elon Musk Praises India’s Move to Allocate Satellite Spectrum, but Telecom Giants Voice Concerns

Elon Musk has endorsed India’s recent decision to allocate, rather than auction, satellite spectrum for broadband services. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced this move, which aligns with global norms set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Musk, replying to a post on X (formerly Twitter) with a single word, “Promising,” signaled his support for India’s approach, which could benefit international players like Starlink by simplifying their market entry.

Details of the Spectrum Allocation

The original post, shared by user Alex, highlighted Minister Scindia’s interview with the Press Trust of India, where he confirmed the allocation of satellite spectrum—an approach typically used internationally and supported by the ITU. Scindia clarified that the satellite spectrum was added to Schedule 1 of India’s new Telecom Act of 2023, which requires government allocation rather than competitive bidding.

Implications for Indian Telecom Giants

This decision, while internationally aligned, sharply contrasts with the position held by Indian telecom leaders Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Mittal, whose companies, Jio and Airtel, have heavily invested in terrestrial spectrum through competitive auctions. They argue that auctions foster a balanced market and are concerned that bypassing this process could reduce opportunities for fair competition. Jio and Airtel view the satellite broadband sector as essential for India’s digital growth, and the lack of an auction process may alter the competitive landscape, potentially giving foreign entrants like Starlink an edge.

Opportunities for Starlink

For Starlink, India represents a critical opportunity as the country’s demand for internet connectivity continues to grow. Government-set pricing, instead of an auction-driven model, could reduce entry costs, making it easier for companies like Starlink to operate and potentially offer more affordable services to Indian consumers. However, if Starlink maintains its usual international pricing, it could remain among the higher-cost options for internet access. Musk may need to consider adjustments to make Starlink a more appealing choice for the Indian market.

Strategic Advantages

The administrative allocation approach allows Starlink and similar companies to enter the Indian market without facing the high costs associated with traditional telecom spectrum auctions. This could lead to a faster rollout of services and increased competition within the satellite broadband sector.

Concerns from Indian Telecom Leaders

Indian telecom giants have expressed significant concerns regarding this decision. Ambani and Mittal argue that administrative allocation might favor global companies that bypass auction costs, creating an uneven playing field. They contend that their investments in the terrestrial spectrum through competitive bidding should be respected and that auctions ensure fair competition.

Statements from Industry Leaders

In response to this decision, Ambani’s Reliance Jio has written to Union Telecom Minister Scindia arguing against the administrative allocation approach. They believe that such a move undermines the investments made by local players in acquiring spectrum through auctions.

Government’s Position

Scindia emphasized that no country auctions satellite spectrum; instead, they opt for allocation as per ITU guidelines. He stated that this method is intended to simplify satellite operations while ensuring compliance with international standards.

Future of Satellite Broadband in India

India’s allocation strategy reflects its commitment to bridging digital divides while adhering to global standards. As international companies eye the market with renewed interest, the nation’s telecom giants may face fresh challenges in staying competitive within the satellite broadband space.

Conclusion

The endorsement from Elon Musk highlights a significant shift in how satellite spectrum is managed in India. While this move is seen as beneficial for international players like Starlink, it raises concerns among established telecom giants about fair competition and market dynamics.

As India navigates this new landscape of satellite broadband services, it will be crucial to monitor how these changes affect both local and international players in the telecommunications sector. The balance between fostering innovation and ensuring fair competition will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of internet connectivity across India.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

Blissclub Raises INR 33 Crore in Fresh Funding Months After Layoffs

Published

on

Bliss_StartupStories

Blissclub, the women-centric D2C apparel brand, has raised INR 33 crore in a Pre-Series B funding round led by Elevation Capital, with Eight Roads Ventures also participating. This funding comes just three months after the company laid off 18% of its workforce-about 21 employees from creative, sales, marketing, growth, and product teams-due to high cash burn and challenges in securing new capital.

The latest investment was made through the allotment of 16,076 compulsory convertible preference shares (CCPS) at a premium of INR 20,428 each. Elevation Capital invested INR 19 crore, securing a 24.5% stake, while Eight Roads Ventures contributed INR 14 crore, raising its stake to 15.79%. The capital will be used for working capital, capital expenditure, and general corporate purposes.

Founded in 2020 by Minu Margeret, Blissclub started as an online activewear brand for women and has since diversified its product range and established offline stores. Despite recent restructuring, the company’s revenue grew 27% to INR 86.9 crore in FY24 from INR 68.3 crore in FY23, though net losses also increased to INR 43.9 crore.

Blissclub’s successful fundraising, despite recent layoffs, underscores both the ongoing challenges and the resilience of India’s D2C startup sector in a difficult funding environment.

 

Continue Reading

Latest News

Apple to Shift Entire US iPhone Assembly to India by 2026

Published

on

Apple - StartupStories

Apple is set to relocate all assembly of iPhones destined for the US market from China to India by the end of 2026, marking its biggest manufacturing shift in decades. The move is driven by escalating US-China trade tensions and steep tariffs—up to 145% on Chinese imports—making Chinese assembly increasingly costly for Apple. Although some smartphone imports are temporarily exempt, a 20% duty still applies to Chinese-made iPhones entering the US.

 

India, in contrast, offers a more favorable trade environment, with a paused 26% reciprocal tariff and ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade deal with the US that could shield Indian exports from future levies. Apple plans to more than double its current iPhone output in India, aiming to assemble over 60 million units annually for the US market. The company already produces about 25% of its global iPhones in India, working with partners like Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Pegatron.

 

This shift is part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China amid geopolitical risks. However, the transition’s success will depend on how quickly India can scale up its manufacturing capabilities and the outcome of ongoing trade negotiations.


Continue Reading

Latest News

PhonePe’s PINCODE Launches 10-Minute Medicine Delivery in Cities

Published

on

PhonePe

PhonePe’s PINCODE app has launched a 24×7 online medicine delivery service in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune, promising delivery of both prescription and over-the-counter medicines within 10 minutes from nearby local medical shops. Unlike conventional e-pharmacies that use dark stores, PINCODE partners exclusively with neighborhood pharmacies, enabling faster deliveries and supporting local businesses in the digital economy.

Customers without prescriptions can select a “no prescription” option when ordering; a qualified doctor then provides a free teleconsultation and issues a digital prescription compliant with telemedicine guidelines, ensuring seamless access to medicines. The app offers competitive pricing by passing discounts from local pharmacies directly to customers and charges no delivery fees.

PINCODE’s hyperlocal model enhances healthcare accessibility and convenience while empowering local pharmacies, helping them remain integral to their communities and stimulating local economic growth. Launched in 2023, the app focuses on quick commerce with an emphasis on speed, reliability, and supporting local sellers.

In summary, PhonePe’s PINCODE app is transforming medicine delivery in major Indian cities by combining ultra-fast 10-minute delivery, free doctor consultations, and a hyperlocal sourcing model that benefits both consumers and neighborhood pharmacies.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Recent Posts

Advertisement