Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming trip to the United States could bring exciting news for internet access in India. Sources reveal that Modi might meet with Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Starlink, during his visit.
Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service, has been eager to launch in India for a while. However, they’ve faced hurdles, primarily disagreements with billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s telecom giant, Reliance Jio.
The crux of the issue? Spectrum allocation. Starlink wants spectrum assigned directly, while Reliance Jio, which spent billions on acquiring spectrum, wants an auction system. India’s government seems to agree with Starlink, but Starlink’s application is still pending.
Adding fuel to the fire, Starlink’s devices were seized by Indian authorities earlier this year, raising concerns about security.
However, sources suggest Musk is willing to address India’s security concerns, potentially by agreeing to store data locally.
Will this meeting finally pave the way for Starlink’s launch in India? Could millions gain access to faster, more reliable internet? Only time will tell.
While Starlink’s entry might be the highlight, Modi’s meeting with Musk could also touch upon Tesla’s plans for India. Musk has been vocal about India’s high import taxes on electric vehicles, hoping to establish a manufacturing base there.
Will this trip finally see progress on Tesla’s Indian ambitions?
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds!