JIO SATELLITE
There is a ring of truth to tariff hike
India's telecom companies, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, are increasing tariffs to boost revenue and fund network expansion, following a lifeline from the Government of India for spectrum purchase. Despite high spectrum prices and fierce competition, recent price hikes signal industry recovery and a shift towards sustainable growth. The focus is now on transitioning subscribers to 4G and preparing for the game-changing 5G era to support India's digital development.
Trai inputs sought on rolling out authorisation mechanism
"Trai met the telecom operators and internet service providers today (Thursday) to seek their inputs on the authorisation structure. The players can provide their comments by early next week, following which Trai will issue a consultation paper," an official told ET on condition of anonymity. The Telecommunications Act, which came into force on June 26, calls for a simple regulatory framework by abolishing the license regime and replacing it with an authorisation mechanism.
Apple expands iPhone satellite connectivity with latest OS update, but itwon’t reach Indian iPhones yet
Apple has enhanced satellite connectivity on iPhones with iOS 18, enabling users to send and receive messages via satellite in areas with no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Initially limited to emergency services, this feature is now available for regular messaging in 16 countries, but is yet to be launched in India pending regulatory approvals. The update leverages existing satellite technology and allows users to seamlessly switch to satellite for messaging, ensuring connectivity even in remote areas without the need for a satellite terminal.
Jio-SES JV Orbit Connect gets IN-SPACe authorisation to enter satcom space
Orbit Connect India, a joint venture between Reliance Jio Platforms and SES, has obtained crucial landing rights and market access authorizations from IN-SPACe, India's space regulator. This move positions Jio against Bharti Enterprises-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, Elon Musk's Starlink, and Amazon's Kuiper in India's satellite communications sector. Jio is also seeking trial satellite spectrum from the DoT for advanced trials on its nationwide satellite broadband network, aiming for an early allocation to begin trials.
Jio Satellite Communications seeks trial spectrum after IN-Space clearance
The Department of Telecom has already granted satellite communication service licence GMPCS and internet service provider licence to Jio Satellite Communications.
Reliance's Jio Platforms clears hurdle in bid to launch satellite internet in India
Joint venture between Reliance Industries' Jio Platforms and SES, based in Luxembourg, has received the green light from the Indian space regulator to operate satellites in the country, according to a government official. Orbit Connect India, aimed at delivering high-speed internet access via satellites, has secured three approvals. This development emerges amidst a competitive landscape where companies like Amazon.com and Elon Musk's Starlink are seeking approval to launch satellite communication services in India, the world's most populous nation.
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Modi 3.0: Industry seeks roadmap to cement India's lead in global digital arena, vows support
The Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) has expressed full support for India's digital and telecom transformation under the new government, emphasising the need for a clear roadmap to solidify the country's leadership in digital infrastructure. DIPA highlighted the success of initiatives like Digital India and PM WiFi Access Network in enabling broad digital adoption, with Director General Tilak Raj Dua stressing the industry's readiness to collaborate with the government.
DoT aims to notify rules under Telecom Act soon
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) aims to notify rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 within 100 days of the new government taking charge. The rules will streamline the regulatory framework, ensuring compliance, and cover spectrum allotment, satellite communications, biometric data, and more, with a focus on customer data security and technology changes.
Access to international orbital slots opens new doors for Indian satcom companies
Experts and industry executives said this will allow Indian players to tap surplus international satellite capacities to deliver satcom services at competitive rates in India.
Elon Musk's Starlink one step away from getting greenlit in India with in-principle govt nod
The Telecom Ministry has granted an in-principle approval to Elon Musk's Starlink for satellite communications services in India, ahead of Musk's visit to the country. The approval follows almost three-and-a-half years of deliberation and awaits final vetting by the Home Ministry. Once approved, Starlink will receive a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license, a crucial step for offering satellite communication services in India.
Govt may not allot satcom waves in a rush; to fine-tune rules first
The DoT is likely to also do more consultations with the stakeholders regarding the allocation, which has to be done administratively, as per the new telecom law.
Airtel versus Jio: More shots fired in the satcom space battle
Airtel and Jio stand sharply divided on various issues related to satcom and have battled each other over complexities that surround satcom. The rivalry between the two biggies, with other satcom players also divided sharply, continues. A few days ago, they locked horns over the usage and price of satcom.
Bharti Airtel rejects Jio view on commercial usage of allocated satcom spectrum
Vodafone Idea (Vi) plans to raise funds via a preferential share issue on April 6, following shareholders' approval of a proposal to raise ₹20,000 crore through equity and equity-linked instruments. The company expects to complete the equity fund raise by the end of June, with promoters expected to infuse around ₹2,000 crore.
Jio against commercial use of satellite spectrum without auction
Reliance Jio has urged the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) not to allow satellite spectrum allocated administratively for commercial services like fixed wireless access (FWA), as it considers FWA a 5G use case that should only use auctioned spectrum. The company suggested that if DoT permits FWA for satellite communication (satcom) players, the companies that bought spectrum in an auction for FWA should be refunded. The DoT is currently working on rules for administratively allocating spectrum for satellite communication services, including global mobile personal communication by satellite services (GMPCS) holders.
Eutelsat OneWeb looks to pull ahead of Starlink, Jio in satellite broadband race
Top company officials said Eutelsat OneWeb has received the demo or 'trial' satellite spectrum in both the 'Ka' and 'Ku' bands for a 90-day span via the administrative route at a nominal application fee. To be sure, unlike rival Starlink, which will directly offer retail users satellite internet services, Eutelsat OneWeb will operate purely on a B2B model.
From Musk to Mittal, Ambani to Amazon: Why such a big race for satcom?
Internet communication in India has a new battleground called "satcom," different from regular networks. Indian and foreign firms compete for satellite spectrum to access the internet. Disagreements on spectrum allocation methods divide the industry: some prefer government allocation, others auctions. The competition is intense due to more players, including foreign giants like Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon, unlike the limited private telecom market with Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea.
India to allot satellite internet airwaves without auction in win for Musk
The proposal was included in a new draft bill for the telecommunications sector, which seeks to replace the 138-year old Indian Telegraph Act that currently governs the sector. The bill was tabled for approval in parliament on Monday. While Starlink and its global peers like Amazon's Project Kuiper, and the British government-backed OneWeb would rejoice in the move, it is a setback to Mukesh Ambani, Asia's wealthiest, who runs Indian telecom giant Reliance Jio.
Bharti-backed OneWeb seeks more time to provide network details
DoT has granted licences for providing global mobile personal communication by satellite services (GMPCS) to both Jio Satellite and OneWeb. While issuing the letters of intent, it was mentioned that the clearance was given for providing only fixed satellite broadband services. “For getting land mobility authorisation, companies need to seek clearance on the security angle from the IMC,” said an official.
Trai recommendation on satcom spectrum, other subjects after Chairperson appointment
"Trai chairperson will decide on the recommendation. We are almost ready with recommendations on satellite spectrum allocation but the final call will be taken by the chairperson," a senior Trai official said.
Jio Satcom, OneWeb get internet services licence
Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb will need access to spectrum to provide services directly on the consumer terminal on which the decision is still pending. Satellite companies have been demanding allocation of spectrum without auction, while Jio and Vodafone Idea have been pushing for spectrum allocation only through auction.
ET Explainer| LEO, MEO & GEO: The dawn of a new broadband era?
Competition has intensified in India’s relatively nascent broadband-from-space services segment with firms trying to launch services fast and get the first mover’s advantage.
Qualcomm in talks with Musk's Starlink and others on changes needed for mobile satellite services
Qualcomm Inc is currently in talks with in discussions with leading satellite firms, including Elon Musk's Starlink, regarding necessary modifications to smartphone chipsets and software components. These changes aim to enable mobile satellite services in upcoming Android devices. Qualcomm is investigating the viability of potential technological solutions, such as narrow-band non-terrestrial networks (NTN).
'Bharti's OneWeb should not underestimate Jio satellite'
The satellite communications market in India is at a nascent stage but the potential is substantial, particularly in rural and remote areas. As per an EY-ISpA report, India's space economy is set to rise to $13 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6%. "I think they (Starlink) should come. In the US, there is an opportunity for Starlink, let them come in, they need to figure out what their business model in India could be," said Oommen, referring to global competition.
JioSpaceFiber, India's first satellite-based gigabit broadband is here: Important details
For this project, Jio has partnered with SES, a Luxembourg-based satellite telecommunications network provider. With this partnership, Jio would be able to tap into the cutting-edge Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite technology that can deliver gigabit-speed internet services from space. To showcase the capabilities of JioSpaceFiber, the service has already been connected to four of India's most remote locations: Gir in Gujarat, Korba in Chhattisgarh, Nabarangpur in Odisha, and ONGC-Jorhat in Assam.
Reliance Jio unveils JioSpaceFiber: India's first satellite-based giga fiber service for remote connectivity
Reliance Jio has introduced JioSpaceFiber, India's first satellite-based giga fiber service, to expand high-speed broadband access to previously underserved areas. The company partnered with SES to utilize medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite technology. The initial demonstration connected four remote locations, and the service aims to increase digital inclusivity across the country.
JioSpaceFiber: Jio showcases India's first satellite-based giga fiber at IMC
Reliance's telecom arm Jio showcased India’s first satellite-based giga fiber service called JioSpaceFiber to provide high speed broadband services to previously inaccessible geographies within India at the India Mobile Congress on Friday. The company has launched it with an objective of providing broadband services to inaccessible locations.
Government to push space companies to cut imports and Make in India
The industry is divided over the method of satellite spectrum allotment for satellite broadband services. Satellite companies such as Starlink, Amazon-backed Project Kuiper, Bharti-backed OneWeb (that recently merged into France’s Eutelsat), Canada’s Telesat (which is partnering with Nelco) and US-based Hughes want allotment via the administrative route.
Satcom spectrum allocation via auctions hangs in the balance
Officials aware of the details told ET that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has added global mobile personal communication by satellite services (GMPCS) in the schedule 1 of telecom bill, wherein spectrum may be administratively allocated for use of government functions or purposes of public interest.
Allow flexible spectrum use between Satcom & Telecom: Jio
Jio Satellite Communications has requested India's telecom regulator, Trai, to allow flexible use of spectrum for both satellite and mobile phone services networks. The company cited the decision of the New Zealand government to allow flexible use of high frequencies in the 24-30 Ghz band as an example. Jio Satellite argued that technology advancements have enabled the convergence of satellite and terrestrial networks, making flexible use of radio frequency necessary.
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