India’s Telecom Regulator Favors 5-Year Satellite Spectrum Allocation, Defies Starlink’s 20-Year Demand

India’s telecom regulator is set to recommend a satellite broadband spectrum allocation for around five years to evaluate initial market adoption, a senior government source revealed on Thursday. This move challenges Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has been pushing for a 20-year permit to ensure long-term operational stability. The decision reflects the government’s cautious approach to regulating the emerging satellite broadband sector, balancing industry growth with regulatory oversight. The recommendation could impact the plans of global satellite internet providers, including Starlink, as they compete for market space in India’s evolving connectivity landscape.