Starlink and Kuiper Call for Stable Policies and Affordable Spectrum in Satcom Industry

Starlink and Kuiper Push for Affordable Spectrum

Global satellite communication leaders, Starlink and Amazon's Kuiper, have called on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to ensure a predictable policy environment and maintain low satellite spectrum prices. They assert that high costs would force them to concentrate on urban areas, neglecting remote regions that lack terrestrial networks.

“If the government sets high prices for satellite communication spectrum, we will be compelled to target urban, connected customers,” stated K Krishna, head of Asia Pacific for Amazon Kuiper. He emphasized the necessity of stable policies, as these multi-billion dollar investments hinge on them. “Do not look at satellite services as a golden goose,” he cautioned, urging reduced regulatory fees to achieve universal access.

Concerns from Industry Leaders

David Goldman, SpaceX’s head of satellite policy, echoed similar sentiments, arguing that satellite spectrum is a shared resource that should not be auctioned. Starlink collaborates with local telecom operators to utilize licensed spectrum for their satellite services.

Market Predictions and Regulatory Approval

With approximately 7,000 satellites operating across over 100 countries, Starlink continues to expand while Amazon Kuiper is set to launch 3,232 satellites by 2029. Deloitte forecasts a 36% annual growth in India’s satellite broadband market over the next five years, projecting it to reach $1.9 billion by 2030. Both companies await the global mobile personal communication by satellite services (GMPCS) license to commence operations.

Debate: Auction vs Allocation

The discussion arises amid tensions over spectrum allocation methodologies, with Reliance Jio advocating for fair auctions to ensure equal footing for satellite services, while other players including Bharti Airtel call for a spectrum allocation strategy.