Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized on Tuesday that Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service has a clear path to operate in India—if it complies with national security norms. Scindia highlighted that while the government is open to issuing a license, Starlink must meet stringent requirements to ensure secure communications. Starlink is actively working on compliance, and the minister hinted at progress, stating, “We are more than happy to give them (licence) if they comply with all conditions.”
Currently, Bharti Group’s OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications—a joint venture with SES—have received licenses but are waiting for spectrum allocation before operations can begin. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is expected to finalize rules for satellite spectrum allocation by December 15. This step will be crucial, as it could accelerate the availability of satellite-based internet services across India.
Spotlight on Vodafone Idea’s ₹24,700 Crore Bank Guarantee Request
The telecom sector’s ongoing financial adjustments are drawing attention, particularly Vodafone Idea’s (VIL) request for a waiver on a ₹24,700 crore bank guarantee due in September 2025. Scindia stated that while relief is being considered, it won’t be limited to one company—it will benefit the entire telecom sector. Following major policy reforms post-2022, the government had already eased some bank guarantee requirements to support the industry’s growth.
Strengthening India’s Telecom Backbone: Indigenous Tech and BSNL’s 4G Expansion
Scindia further detailed India’s technological strides, particularly with BSNL, the state-owned telecom. For the first time, India has developed an indigenous 4G stack, making it the sixth country globally to achieve such a feat. With government support, BSNL plans to deploy 100,000 mobile towers on a 4G system by mid-2025, with some locations upgrading to Indian-developed 5G soon after. These advancements are positioning India as a significant player in telecom technology, with international recognition from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for contributions like the 5Gi standard.
Revenue Share Demands and OTT Apps: A New Advisory Committee
As telecom operators raise concerns about revenue sharing with Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and Google Meet, Scindia revealed the creation of an advisory committee to address these demands. The regulatory body TRAI is circulating a discussion paper on the issue, aiming to strike a balance between telecom and OTT players in India’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
The Big Picture: India’s Expanding Telecom Vision
With rapid advancements and increased support, India’s telecom sector has transformed significantly over the past two and a half years. “India’s voice is being heard extremely loudly within ITU,” Scindia said, adding that the country is prepared to make an even larger impact with 6G development.
This strategic shift—from nurturing indigenous technology to revisiting compliance rules for global giants like Starlink—illustrates India’s drive toward a robust, secure, and future-ready telecom infrastructure.
