Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper Push for Lower Satellite Spectrum Prices in India

2 Min Read

Starlink by Elon Musk and Amazon Kuiper of Jeff Bezos are now demanding that the government brings down the price of the spectrum in order to offer satellite internet services at cheaper rates in the rural regions. According to them, high prices in auctions will encourage them to tap the urban market, that too at the cost of its original vision to bridge the digital divide.

Key Debate: Spectrum Auction vs. Shared Resource

  • Starlink and Kuiper must have the satellite spectrum be declared as shared resources so that it does not get too heavy.
  • They believe that auctioning the spectrum would make a rural deployment way out of budget.

Current Status

  • Only OnWeb, and Jio-SES have got approval to provide satellite services in the country.
  • Starlink, and Kuiper is yet to get approval from the concerned departments for services roll out.

Potential Impact

If the government agrees to reduce the auction price, the satellite internet may alter the connectivity in rural India. In case of heavy auction prices, services will only be available in the urban areas where they will compete with the old telecoms.

Satellite Internet Providers and Their Stances

ProviderKey ArgumentCurrent Status
StarlinkSpectrum should be a shared resource, not auctioned.Awaiting approval, pushing for lower spectrum costs.
Amazon KuiperHigh spectrum prices will shift focus to urban markets.Awaiting approval, concerned about high auction costs.
Reliance JioSpectrum should be auctioned for fair competition.Already active with Jio-SES satellite services.
Bharti AirtelSupports auction but suggests exemptions for rural areas.Partnered with OneWeb for satellite services.

Impact of Spectrum Pricing on Connectivity

ScenarioImpact on Rural ConnectivityImpact on Urban Connectivity
Affordable/Shared SpectrumBoosts satellite internet access in rural areas.Complements urban telecom infrastructure.
High Auction Prices for SpectrumLimits satellite services to urban markets, excluding rural populations.Satellite providers compete directly with telecom companies.
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Emma Charlotte is a prominent journalist at USAHarmony, where she focuses on the intersection of technology and business, examining the strategies employed by major players in the tech industry. Her reporting delves into how technology shapes various sectors, exploring trends, innovations, and the implications of Big Tech’s influence on the economy and society at large. Before her tenure at USAHarmony, Emma honed her reporting skills at the Portland Business Journal, where she covered the footwear, apparel, and banking industries. During her time there, she received accolades for her investigative work, particularly a first-place award in business reporting from the Northwest chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. This recognition was awarded for her impactful story on inequities in small business lending, highlighting her commitment to uncovering important issues within the business landscape. Emma's academic credentials include a degree from the University of Portland and a graduate degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. These educational experiences have equipped her with a strong foundation in journalistic principles and practices, enabling her to tackle complex topics with depth and clarity. Originally from San Luis Obispo, California, Emma brings a West Coast perspective to her work, which she now carries with her as she reports from New York. Her diverse background and experiences allow her to approach stories with a unique lens, contributing to her reputation as a knowledgeable and insightful voice in technology business journalism.
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