India Allocates Satellite Spectrum Without Auction

India's government has decided to allocate satellite broadband spectrum administratively rather than through auction, countering calls from Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Jio for a bidding process. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized that this approach aligns with global practices and Indian law, asserting that auctioning would be an unprecedented move. Elon Musk's Starlink welcomed this decision, arguing that administrative allocation is consistent with the International Telecommunication Union's guidelines on shared spectrum. The dispute highlights a significant rivalry between Musk and Ambani, with concerns from domestic telecom operators about foreign competitors gaining an advantage without auctions. Ambani and Airtel's Sunil Mittal have voiced their apprehensions about an unregulated entry for multinational corporations like Starlink, stressing the need for fair competition in India's growing satellite market. As the industry anticipates substantial growth, the regulatory decisions will shape the competitive landscape in satellite communication services.