Scindia: Satcom Rollout Needs Security Clearance, Spectrum; VIL Relief Underway

• Satellite communication services will launch after security clearance and spectrum allocation, says Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
• Players like Starlink, OneWeb, and Reliance Jio must comply with security demands, including data localization and international gateways.
• Spectrum pricing for satcom is being finalized by DoT and Trai, with differences to be resolved by the Digital Communication Commission (DCC).
• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is actively working on relief measures for Vodafone Idea (VIL) amidst its significant liabilities.
• Scindia stressed the government's aim to maintain four robust telecom operators in India, including VIL and BSNL, to prevent a market duopoly.

Why It Matters: India's satcom rollout hinges on security and spectrum, while DoT addresses VIL's future to ensure market competition.