INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Elon musk, musk, Elon, Mukesh Ambani, Ambani3 min read Last Updated : Oct 15 2024 | 2:55 PM IST
Starlink CEO Elon Musk has said that
opting to auction satellite broadband spectrum in India, rather than allocating it administratively, would be an "unprecedented" move
His comments position him against Mukesh Ambani's perspective on the matter, as reports indicate that Ambani's Reliance Industries has
lobbied for the auction route.
The disagreement centres on whether the spectrum should be auctioned or allocated administratively, with
both sides presenting interpretations of international and Indian regulations.Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp
Musk expressed his
They argue that this method aligns with international best practices and would support the rapid development of satellite broadband services
in India.
Auctioning of spectrum
Reports have emerged that Reliance sent a private letter to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
(Trai) on October 10, challenging the regulator's position and urging a fresh start to the consultation process
This letter has not been made public.
Reliance claimed that Trai had "pre-emptively interpreted" Indian laws in favour of administrative
allocation without fully consulting the industry.
Reliance argued that this approach goes against established norms in the telecom
The company further asserted that the allocation method must be reviewed to ensure a level playing field, especially since international
companies like Starlink could offer services competing directly with traditional telecom providers.
Trai is currently conducting a public
consultation on the issue
The stakes are high, given the massive potential of India's satellite broadband market
Deloitte has projected the sector to grow by 36 per cent annually, reaching an estimated $1.9 billion by 2030, as reported by Business
Standard.
This dispute is more than just a corporate rivalry; it raises broader questions about how limited natural resources like
spectrum should be managed
This is especially relevant as more international companies enter domestic markets
India, as a member of the ITU, is bound by its treaty, which advocates for spectrum allocation that promotes efficiency and economic
fairness.First Published: Oct 15 2024 | 2:55 PMIST
