Video: Telcos vs Starlink and Kuiper: Here’s a lowdown of the satcom spectrum allocation debate

Explainer Briefly Slides India’s telecom regulator faces a heated debate between traditional telecom providers and satellite communication (satcom) companies over spectrum allocation methods. Jio and Vodafone Idea oppose administrative allocation, citing competition concerns and risks of preferential treatment, while Airtel and foreign players like Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper advocate for it. They argue that auctions could increase service costs and restrict satcom’s goal of connecting underserved areas.

The Supreme Court’s critique of first-come, first-serve allocation adds complexity to this ongoing policy standoff. MediaNama’s Kamya Pandey explains the issue here: Also Read:.