Archive · 1 Jun 2025
Airtel, Jio Object to Spectrum Allocation for Starlink
Imagine the internet is like a race, and there are two teams: the regular internet (Airtel, Jio) and the satellite internet (Starlink).
The government made rules about how much each team pays to use the track (spectrum).
Now, Airtel and Jio think the new rules give Starlink an unfair advantage, like letting them pay less.
They say the rules are not clear and don't consider the real competition between the teams.
They also think the price to use the track should be the same for everyone.
Starlink is about to get a license, but the debate is still on about who pays what.
Airtel and Reliance Jio are opposing TRAI's spectrum allocation recommendations for satellite communication companies like Starlink.
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) claims the recommendations favor satellite companies over terrestrial operators.
COAI argues that the recommendations are non-transparent and based on unjustifiable assumptions.
COAI objects to the differential spectrum pricing suggested for terrestrial services versus satcom operators.
Starlink received a letter of intent from the telecom ministry and awaits a formal license.
- Who
- Airtel, Reliance Jio, Starlink, and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).
- What
- Airtel and Reliance Jio are contesting the spectrum allocation recommendations for satcom companies.
- When
- The recommendations are now being considered by the telecom ministry.
- Where
- India
- Why
- They believe the recommendations favor satellite companies and create unfair competition.
Terrestrial Telecom Operators
Satcom Companies
Market Competition
Terrestrial Telecom Operators
Terrestrial operators believe the recommendations create a substantial regulatory arbitrage favoring satellite companies.
Satcom Companies
Satellite communication services are fast emerging as full-fledged competitors in the broadband market targeting all geographies.
Spectrum Pricing
Terrestrial Telecom Operators
Terrestrial operators object to differential spectrum pricing, claiming it is unfair.
Satcom Companies
If spectrum for satellite-based services is assigned administratively, its pricing must reasonably reflect parity with auction-discovered rates for terrestrial spectrum.
- Companies Involved
- Airtel, Jio, Starlink
- Main Issue
- Spectrum allocation & pricing
- Key Players
- COAI, TRAI, Telecom Ministry
- Starlink Status
- Received LoI, awaiting license