India's Satellite Spectrum Policy: A Balancing Act Between Competition and Consumer Choice
India debates spectrum allocation for satellite broadband, balancing competition from Starlink with concerns from Reliance Jio.
Matilda
India's Satellite Spectrum Policy: A Balancing Act Between Competition and Consumer Choice
The Indian telecom sector is witnessing a pivotal moment with the government's decision to administratively allocate satellite spectrum, a move that has sparked debate and raised concerns. While this approach aims to encourage competition and offer consumers more choices, it has also drawn criticism from established players like Reliance Jio, who fear losing ground to global giants like Elon Musk's Starlink. This blog post will delve into the intricacies of India's satellite spectrum policy, analyze the key arguments, and examine the potential implications for the telecom landscape. The Spectrum Allocation Dilemma The core issue lies in how to allocate spectrum for satellite-based broadband services. Reliance Jio has advocated for an auction-based approach, arguing that it ensures fair competition and prevents the entry of dominant players. On the other hand, the government, aligning with global trends, favors administrative allocation, believing it will foster innovation an…