Indian Telecom Boost: Amazon’s Project Kuiper Set for Satcom License

Amazon’s Project Kuiper is close to joining Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s satellite arm in getting a satcom license. The company, led by Jeff Bezos, has submitted all the necessary documents to the government.

Government Review Process

Officials said Amazon has provided details like its network diagram to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which is currently reviewing the documents. “If everything checks out and no additional information is needed, Amazon’s proposal will be discussed by an inter-ministerial committee in the next meeting,” said a source familiar with the situation.

Awaiting Approval

Amazon did not respond to queries by press time. The inter-ministerial panel includes officials from different parts of the DoT, the Indian Space Research Organisation, and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Approval from the panel and the Home Ministry is required for security reasons.

Competition with Starlink

Amazon might even get a global mobile personal communication by satellite services (GMPCS) permit before Starlink, which is owned by Elon Musk. The government has some unresolved issues with Starlink, which need to be addressed before granting a license. “Starlink must agree to meet all government requirements before a license is issued,” an official said.

Previous Requests for Information

Previously, the DoT asked Amazon for more information about setting up satellite gateways and data storage and transfer. Amazon has provided all the requested details, and its application is under review. Amazon applied for a GMPCS license last year, which is necessary for offering satellite communications (satcom) services in India. Amazon also applied to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) for regulatory approvals.

Rising Competition in Indian Market

Amazon is the fourth company to seek a satcom license in India after Eutelsat OneWeb, Jio’s satcom unit, and Starlink. The competition in India’s emerging broadband-from-space market is heating up. Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio’s satellite unit have already received GMPCS licenses. Any company wanting to offer satcom services in India needs approvals from IN-SPACe, a GMPCS license, and spectrum from the DoT. While licenses and approvals allow companies to offer services, they must wait for the government to allocate spectrum.

Future Plans and Challenges

However, Amazon is behind its competitors like Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio in offering satellite broadband services because its satellite constellation is not ready yet. Project Kuiper plans to have an initial constellation of 3,232 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites and aims to start offering services by the end of 2024.