Piyush Goyal Engages with Starlink Executives Regarding India's Future
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Synopsis
On April 16, Piyush Goyal met with Starlink executives to discuss investment plans in India. The meeting included discussions on satellite internet, partnerships, and future opportunities in the country.
Key Takeaways
- Piyush Goyal met with Starlink executives.
- Discussions included investment plans and technology.
- India's telecom companies are engaging with Starlink.
- Need for satellite internet in rural areas emphasized.
- Starlink awaits regulatory approval in India.
New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, convened a meeting with leading officials from Elon Musk's Starlink on Wednesday to deliberate on the company's investment strategies for India.
"I met a delegation from Starlink, including Vice President Chad Gibbs and Senior Director Ryan Goodnight. Our discussions focused on Starlink's innovative technology platform, its current collaborations, and prospective investments in India," Goyal shared on X after the meeting.
This meeting occurs amidst discussions between domestic telecom giants like Airtel and the American company regarding the potential launch of satellite telecom services within India.
Vodafone Idea has also mentioned its ongoing negotiations with Starlink to offer satellite communication options in the country.
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has emphasized the necessity for satellite internet in India, particularly in rural regions.
According to the minister, there are many remote areas in the country where traditional fiber or mobile connectivity is unattainable. Thus, satellite internet could play a vital role in achieving 100% coverage.
Scindia stressed that these services should be seen as complementary rather than competitive, asserting India’s commitment to providing consumers with both terrestrial and satellite communication options.
He also pointed out that in the event of natural disasters damaging telecom towers and fiber networks, satellite communication could be essential for bridging the connectivity gap during emergencies.
Starlink is still in the process of obtaining a regulatory license to commence operations in India and is waiting for the government’s updated regulations on spectrum pricing.
Scindia further stated that any organization can apply for a license as long as it adheres to the nation's regulations.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, aims to deliver high-speed internet access globally. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX was the first private entity to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station and has successfully completed an all-civilian crew mission to orbit.
