Amazon seeks approval from IN-SPACe to offer broadband-from-space services in India

E-commerce giant Amazon has sought permission from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), a nodal agency under the Department of Space, to provide wireless broadband-from-space services in the country. This would pit the Jeff-Bezos-led company against rivals such as Bharti-backed Oneweb, Reliance Industries' Jio Satellite, and Elon Musk-owned Starlink in India's fledgling market.

Amazon is also expected to apply to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for a global mobile personal communication by satellite services (GMPCS) licence. Starlink’s application is expected to be considered this week by an inter-ministerial panel, whereas Jio Satellite and Oneweb have already bagged the GMPCS licence.

According to India's Space Policy 2023, private low-earth orbit (LEO) and medium-earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellation operators are permitted to start fast broadband from space services in the country. The new policy allows foreign companies to launch broadband-from-space services in the country. However, the companies need to obtain permission from IN-SPACe.

Amazon has been holding discussions with the government on satellite communications. The company also took part in the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) consultation process on the method for allocation of satcom spectrum.

Last week, two prototype satellites from Amazon’s Project Kuiper, were launched into space. Project Kuiper plans to have an initial constellation of 3,236 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites and start offering services by the end of 2024.

Edited by : www.linkedin.com/in/priyanka-v23

Credits : The Economic Times