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  • Within five years, satellite ISPs aim to achieve 20% indigenization

    Within five years, satellite ISPs aim to achieve 20% indigenization

    According to new guidelines by the Department of Telecommunications, satellite internet services providers such as Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio will have to submit a yearly plan to the government showing how they will gradually increase local manufacturing of ground segments of their satellite network in the country.

    The government has asked companies looking to provide satellite internet services in the country to target at least 20% indigenisation of the ground segment of their satellite network within five years of beginning commercial operations in the country.

    “The licensee, in the format prescribed, will submit to the licensor a year-wise phased manufacturing programme aiming at indigenisation,” DoT said in the guidelines.

    The government wants to reduce reliance on foreign technology and boost local manufacturing through this requirement. Ground segment involves gateways, antennas, terminals, etc.

    The new guidelines are incorporated into Chapter XII of the Unified License (UL) Agreement for the provision of GMPCS (global mobile personal communication by satellite) service.

    In a bid to tighten security norms, DoT said such companies, which acquire the GMPCS licence, would require security clearance for specific gateway or hub locations in the country.

    The gateways are essential for the provision of satellite communication services as they serve as the connection point between satellites and the local telecom networks. These hubs process and route the data transmitted via satellite to users on the ground.

    “Given their (gateways) critical role in handling sensitive communication traffic, securing these installations is vital to national security,” a government official said, adding that a fresh set of guidelines was required, given that many global companies are looking to enter the country.

    Monitoring activity
    As per the guidelines, the companies will be required to provide monitoring and lawful interception at the gateway or point of presence. This means that the government wants to ensure that these satellite service providers can help monitor and intercept communications when legally required, just like regular telecom operators.

    “Essential functionalities like Lawful Interception facility, monitoring/ control facility of user terminals, user data traffic routing, control of equipment in Gateway routing data traffic, etc., of the Network Control and Monitoring Centre (or equivalent facility) shall be located in India,” DoT said in the new guidelines.

    NCMC is a centralized facility used by satellite communication providers to manage, control, and monitor their satellite network operations.

    Currently, the government has approved the application of Bharti Enterprises-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio, whereas companies such as Elon Musk-owned Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper and Globalstar are waiting for regulatory clearances.

    The government has asked the companies to implement service restriction/ denial to any individual, group of subscribers or certain geographical areas during hostilities or under cases as informed by the law enforcement or security agencies.

    “The licensees shall ensure the accuracy of geo-fencing in case of debarred areas and also reshape footprint patterns near border areas to avoid spillovers (to neighbouring territories),” DoT said.

    Additionally, the government will define special monitoring zones within 50 km of international borders and along coastal areas (up to 200 nautical miles into the sea). These zones will be monitored by designated law enforcement and security agencies to keep track of user activity for national security purposes.

    Data localisation
    One of the key conditions which the government requires the operators to follow is the localisation of data. “The Indian user traffic shall not be routed through any Gateway/PoP (point of presence) located abroad or any space system, which is not part of satellite/constellation used for providing service,” DoT said, adding that the licensee will have to submit an undertaking that it shall not copy and decrypt the Indian telecom data outside India.

    To comply with data localisation, the government wants companies to ensure that the data centre is based within India’s geographical boundary and shall make provision to provide Domain Name System (DNS) resolution within India’s boundary.

    The government said that the location of its user terminals or any other sensitive information pertaining to the user shall not be visible or accessible at any location abroad.

    Further, operators are asked to seek separate clearance (from a security angle) for voice and data services, fixed location services (no mobility/ limited mobility), and mobility (full)- based services.

    Additionally, the operators seeking the licence are asked to submit a confirmation that no surveillance activity can be carried out with the satellite constellation.

    The companies will have to ensure that websites blocked in India are also blocked through satellite internet services. They will also have to facilitate metadata collection by the Telecom Security Operation Centre (TSOC) under DoT, according to the guidelines.

    Notably, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is currently finalising the contours of the satellite spectrum allocation. LiveMint

  • Dish finances the rollout of its 5G network by acquiring its fiber business

    Dish finances the rollout of its 5G network by acquiring its fiber business

    Dish has just announced it has reached an agreement with Mereo Network to sell its fiber business for an undisclosed sum. The move is meant to boost Dish’s efforts to continue to deploy its 5G network, which proves to be a challenge.

    Owned by Echo Star, Dish Network also owns Boost Mobile prepaid carrier, which benefits the most from the national 5G network that Dish has been trying to deploy for the last couple of years.

    Dish Network’s fiber business was relatively small but enticing enough for Mereo Networks to want to acquire it. According to the latter, Dish Fiber is present in 33 US states and serves around 25,000 residential units.

    On the other hand, Mereo Networks had more than 55,000 connected residents, and it’s been considered one of the largest bulk service providers with strategic partnerships in 23 states across the country.

    With the acquisition of Dish Fiber, Mereo now serves over 80,000 residential units and increases its footprint to 37 states. Overall, this seems like a very good deal for Mereo, even though the money it paid to acquire Dish Fiber hasn’t been disclosed yet.

    As part of the deal, Mereo Networks announced that it will rebrand as Mereo Fiber, which will probably make more sense for what this company strives to do: deliver high-performance fiber connectivity.

    As per Mereo’s announcement, customers, property owners, and partners of both companies can expect “a seamless transition and a greater focus on delivering cutting-edge fiber solutions to high-density communities.”

    For the unaware, Mereo Fiber is backed by Macquarie Capital, WaveDivision Capital and Freedom 3 Capital since November 2023. PhoneArena

  • Microsoft has pledged to follow European norms, as per EU’s Ribera

    Microsoft has pledged to follow European norms, as per EU’s Ribera

    Microsoft Chairman Brad Smith has told the European Commission his company will abide by European rules regardless of whether it agrees with them or not, the Commission’s Vice President Teresa Ribera said.

    In a chat with reporters in which she addressed issues from digital competition to trade and a massive electricity outage in Spain and Portugal last week, Ribera praised the approach.

    “I think it’s much more valuable to acknowledge that it’s about complying with the rules if we want to operate in this market and we’re going to respect them, rather than just saying ‘you’re targeting me because I’m American’,” she said.

    The Commission has seen both approaches in its meetings with different players, she added. Microsoft said last month it would sell its chat and video app Teams separately from its Office software globally, six months after it unbundled the two products in Europe in a bid to avert a possible EU antitrust fine. Salesforce-owned Slack complained to the European Commission about Microsoft’s tying of Teams to Office.

    “We are talking about operators that have been accumulating a significant concentration of power, and about a third of their global revenues are produced in Europe,” Ribera said.

    Asked about trade tensions with the United States, the executive vice president said the EU wanted to avoid a trade war but “not at any price.” Reuters

  • Trump says he would give TikTok another extension if needed

    Trump says he would give TikTok another extension if needed

    President Donald Trump said he would give social-video platform TikTok another extension of a deadline to sell to a US owner if it was needed to reach a deal.

    Trump said he has “a little warm spot” in his heart for the popular app and he would like to complete a transaction that would keep it available for Americans, he told NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker in an interview that aired Sunday.

    Trump has already extended a deadline for TikTok’s parent company ByteDance Ltd. to divest the US operations for another 75 days in April. He told NBC there may not be a need for another reprieve.

    He has previously indicated that China’s objections to his new tariffs stalled a deal to sell off the US TikTok arm, which Beijing has to sign off on.

    Congress passed and former President Joe Biden signed into law a requirement that TikTok be divested from its Chinese ownership and find a US buyer. Trump has credited the app for helping him boost his standing with young voters during the 2024 campaign. Bloomberg

  • Launching over 10,000 cloud-native satellites by 2031

    Launching over 10,000 cloud-native satellites by 2031

    The number of newly launched active digital and software-defined satellites in orbit supporting cloud-native networks is projected to exceed 10,000 by 2031, driven by the rise of next-generation Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks and network unification efforts, according to ABI Research.

    “As the United States, Europe, and China ramp up investments in LEO satellite networks to compete in the new Space Race, there is an increasing emphasis on software-driven, multi-mission space operations to support both national and commercial objectives,” explains Andrew Cavalier, Senior Space Tech Analyst at ABI Research. “At the same time, the industry is experiencing rapid consolidation and advancing toward network domain unification – driven by standardization and vertical integration –to improve access to space through more flexible, efficient, and accelerated supply chains.” Amid this rapidly evolving industry and geopolitical landscape, the winning space strategy now focuses on flexible digital space operations as part of a full-stack space solution that encompasses the entire space value chain, enabling companies and governments to adapt swiftly to global changes.

    Cellular standards are increasingly embracing the concept of terrestrial and satellite network unification to create a multi-dimensional system optimized for dynamic resource allocation, spectrum sharing, and global interoperability. According to Cavalier, “Emerging technologies like Software-Defined Satellites (SDSs), Software-Defined Ground Stations (SDGSs), and Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WANs) will play a crucial role in unifying systems by enabling the programmability and reconfigurability of satellite networks.”

    Satellite networks embracing the cloud are the critical next step for the space industry to unlock the speed, scalability, and flexibility that countries demand of modern space architectures. As such, advancing sovereign space capabilities for commercial and defense applications increasingly depends on unifying networking capabilities – driven by satellite and ground station operators adopting cloud-native architectures and integrating with NTN-compliant terrestrial networks—to break down silos between the telecom and satellite ecosystems.

    Many satellite network operators are seizing this opportunity to invest in their networks or collaborate with technology companies. Networks like Amazon’s Project Kuiper, SpaceX’s Starlink, Globalstar’s C-3, Telesat Lightspeed, Iridium, Rocket Lab, Eutelsat OneWeb, and more are exploring new opportunities with vendors like Thales Alenia Space, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Airbus Space, MDA Space, among others, to deliver advanced flexible and software-defined satellites networks via cloud-native networking principles and enhanced vertical integration.

    Chinese operators such as Spacesail, China Satellite Network Group, and Shanghai Landspace Technology are also accelerating the development of their satellite constellations to strengthen national defense and security systems. These multi-application networks are expected to collectively account for more than 30,000 next-generation satellites in Low Earth Orbit.

    “To seize the growing NTN opportunity in the satellite market, ecosystem players must recognize the value of 3GPP standardization, software-defined payloads, and the cloudification of ground networks,” adds Cavalier. “The opportunity to enable the mass commercialization of space and enter an age of ubiquitous connectivity is imminent. Moving forward, it will be crucial to collaborate with local governments and ecosystem players to align regulatory policies, align priorities in networking architectures, and strengthen digital symbiosis across domains.” ABI Research

  • Trump issues new biological research restrictions

    Trump issues new biological research restrictions

    US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered new limitations on a form of biological research his administration says caused the Covid-19 pandemic through a lab leak in China.

    White House site blames China for Covid-19 ‘lab leak’
    The United States will halt funding in certain countries for so-called “gain-of-function” experiments — aimed at enhancing the properties of pathogens —- according to an executive order Trump signed Monday at the White House.

    “There’s no laboratory that’s immune from leaks — and this is going to prevent inadvertent leaks from happening in the future and endangering humanity,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote on X.

    “Any nation that engages in this research endangers their own population, as well as the world, as we saw during the COVID pandemic,” added Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health.

    Trump has long championed the theory that SARS-CoV-2 leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology as a result of gain-of-function research — an alternative to the theory that the virus spilled over naturally from wild animals to humans at a seafood market in the same city.

    The US government website Covid.gov, which previously focused on promoting vaccine and testing information, is now devoted to highlighting arguments that favor the lab leak.

    Several US agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Energy, and, most recently, the Central Intelligence Agency — which shifted its stance under Trump’s second term — now lean toward a lab origin. Several other intelligence agencies favor natural spillover.

    During the 2010s, the National Institutes of Health funded bat coronavirus research at the Wuhan Institute via the US-based nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance — a grant axed by Trump in 2020 during his first term, but later partially restored under president Joe Biden.

    Complicating matters, former top infectious disease official Anthony Fauci has maintained that the work in Wuhan did not meet the federal definition of gain-of-function, though some virologists and US officials have disputed that claim.

    Trump’s order names China as an example of a “country of concern” where such research should not be supported.

    The order also seeks to end funding for other types of life sciences research in countries deemed to lack sufficient oversight, significantly broadening the types of foreign research that could be targeted.

    It further calls for the development of a strategy to “govern, limit, and track dangerous gain-of-function research across the United States that occurs without federal funding” — though the extent of the government’s control over non-federal research is unclear, and the order also calls for new legislation to fill any gaps.

    Trump’s executive order comes amid broader efforts by his administration to reshape American science and health policy, including mass firings to government scientists and steep slashes to research budgets. AFP

  • Russia and China join to develop medical imaging

    Russia and China join to develop medical imaging

    The Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine and Beijing University of Technology have announced the launch of a strategic partnership aimed at advancing algorithms to enhance the quality of ultrasound imaging and improve diagnostic accuracy. The collaboration, which brings together leading Russian and Chinese scientists, is particularly focused on increasing the early detection rates of breast cancer.

    Yuri Vasilev, Chief Consultant for Diagnostic Imaging of the Moscow Health Care Department, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in the medical field.

    “Expanding international cooperation in medical education and research is one of our top priorities,” Vasiliev said. “This partnership with Beijing University of Technology—a leading technical institution in China—marks a significant step forward in advancing medical technologies and enhancing breast cancer diagnostics. The agreement paves the way for sharing expertise and implementing innovative solutions in Russian healthcare institutions.”

    Under the agreement, the two institutions will exchange scientific materials and research experience, jointly develop new mathematical models and data analysis methods, co-author scientific articles, and participate in international conferences.

    Anton Vladzimirsky, Ph.D. in Medicine, D.Sc. and Deputy Director for Research at the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, highlighted the mutual benefits of the partnership. “Our Chinese colleagues are interested in our expertise in producing and applying medical phantoms for equipment calibration and specialist training in diagnostic ultrasound. Conversely, we are keen to learn from their approach to designing mathematical algorithms for signal processing. By combining our international expertise, we can develop more advanced ultrasound imaging algorithms, ultimately improving diagnostic accuracy for socially significant diseases,” Vladzimirsky said.

    To date, Moscow researchers have developed 12 medical phantoms that mimic human tissues, organs, and anatomical structures. These phantoms fall into two primary categories: those used for training healthcare professionals and those used for calibrating diagnostic equipment. The use of phantoms enables practitioners to refine their techniques for critical diagnostic procedures and ensures devices are properly prepared for clinical use.

    Zhuhuang Zhou, Ph.D., Associate Professor., Dept. of Biomedical Engineering College of Chemistry and Life Science at Beijing University of Technology, noted the value of this collaboration: “We are pleased to work with the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine. We share a common scientific goal—to develop algorithms that enhance ultrasound diagnostics. The experience of our Moscow colleagues, particularly in creating medical phantoms, is of great interest to us. We plan to use these phantoms to test and refine new artificial intelligence algorithms before proceeding to clinical trials. The accuracy and realism of these models are vital to the validity of our research. We are confident that this scientific partnership will enable significant progress in healthcare innovation.”

    The Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, operating under the Moscow Healthcare Department, is a leading scientific and practical institution driving innovation in medical diagnosis and digital healthcare. The Center specializes the management of radiology departments, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into clinical practice. The Center is also dedicated to scientific research and the training of medical professionals. Since 2013, the Center’s team has produced over 800 scientific publications, including articles, methodological guidelines, monographs, and training manuals, and has registered more than 200 intellectual property results.

    A pioneer in digital transformation, the Center has played a central role in Moscow’s large-scale experiment with computer vision and AI in medicine. Since 2020, the Center has been conducting an experiment focused on integrating computer vision technologies into medical practice. As part of this initiative, neural networks have analyzed over 14 million medical images with a high degree of accuracy, demonstrating the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing diagnostic precision and efficiency within healthcare settings.

    Beijing University of Technology (BJUT) is recognized as one of China’s foremost technical universities and a major center for education and research. BJUT has made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology in China and is actively engaged in international collaboration, implementing joint educational programs and research projects with leading universities and scientific. Medicircle

  • Delhi adopts MedLEaPR to expedite PMR & MLC reporting

    Delhi adopts MedLEaPR to expedite PMR & MLC reporting

    In a major step towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and technological inclusion in Delhi’s Medico-Legal system, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday inaugurated MedLEaPR (Medical Legal Examination and Post Mortem Reporting) platform at the Delhi Secretariat.

    Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), MedLEaPR is an advanced digital system designed to streamline the reporting of medico-legal cases (MLCs) and post-mortem reports (PMRs) across all healthcare institutions in Delhi.

    ‘MedLEaPR enables effective reporting of medico-legal cases (MLCs) and post-mortem reports (PMRs) across health institutions. The goal of the system is to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the medico-legal documentation process,’ said CM Gupta.

    The launch event was attended by Delhi Minister Ashish Sood, Chief Secretary Dharmendra, and senior officials from the Delhi Police, Home Department, and NIC.

    Highlighting the platform’s capabilities, CM Gupta noted that MedLEaPR will reduce the need for handwritten documentation by allowing all reports to be submitted electronically. Only authorised personnel will have access through secure user authentication and access control features. Every action taken within the platform will be recorded in a comprehensive audit trail, ensuring transparency and accountability at every step.

    The platform is also fully integrated with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), enabling seamless coordination among hospitals, investigating agencies, forensic labs, and the judiciary.

    According to the Chief Minister, the initiative not only represents a leap toward digital governance but also significantly reduces the time required to prepare and process reports. This will lead to better coordination between healthcare and law enforcement, more accurate documentation, and enhanced efficiency in the judicial process.

    The chief minister noted that the government of Delhi is committed to providing fast, transparent, and trustworthy services to the public through the use of technology. “MedLEaPR is a testament to our government’s commitment to Digital India and e-Governance,” she concluded. The Financial Express

  • Global market size for Pay TV Video Encoders

    Global market size for Pay TV Video Encoders

    USA, New Jersey- According to Market Research Intellect, the global Pay TV Video Encoders market in the Internet, Communication and Technology category is projected to witness significant growth from 2025 to 2032. Market dynamics, technological advancements, and evolving consumer demand are expected to drive expansion during this period.

    The market for pay TV video encoders is expanding significantly due to the rising demand for premium video streaming services. The demand for cutting-edge video encoding technology to guarantee effective data transfer and high-quality video has increased as customers continue to seek flawless and exceptional watching experiences. The growth of the digital ecosystem and the emergence of over-the-top (OTT) platforms are driving the uptake of pay TV services. The need for advanced encoding techniques that preserve quality while using the least amount of bandwidth is being driven by the growing trend toward 4K and even 8K resolution material. Innovations in cloud-based video encoding and transcoding are also helping the business since they give service providers flexibility and scalability. It is anticipated that this continuous development will quicken the market’s growth in the upcoming years.

    The market for pay TV video encoders is expanding due to a number of important considerations. Demand for effective encoding systems that can produce excellent video quality while lowering latency and bandwidth consumption has increased as a result of the move towards high-definition and ultra-high-definition video content. Because OTT platforms and live streaming services need dependable and scalable encoding solutions to fulfill rising user expectations, their quick adoption is therefore very important. Furthermore, the need for sophisticated video encoders is increased by the growing demand for adaptive bitrate streaming, which modifies video quality based on network conditions. Furthermore, technical advancements like AI-based encoding are improving performance, facilitating quicker processing times, and lowering service providers’ operating expenses. All of these factors work together to support the market expansion for pay TV video encoders.

    Market Growth Drivers-Pay TV Video Encoders Market:
    The growth of the Pay TV Video Encoders market is driven by several key factors, including technological advancements, increasing consumer demand, and supportive regulatory policies. Innovations in product development and manufacturing processes are enhancing efficiency, improving performance, and reducing costs, making Pay TV Video Encoders more accessible to a wider range of industries. Rising awareness about the benefits of Pay TV Video Encoders, coupled with expanding applications across sectors such as healthcare, automotive, and electronics, is further accelerating market expansion. Additionally, the integration of digital technologies, such as AI and IoT, is optimizing operational workflows and enhancing product capabilities. Government initiatives promoting sustainable solutions and industry-standard regulations are also playing a crucial role in market growth. The increasing investment in research and development by key market players is fostering new product innovations and expanding market opportunities. Overall, these factors collectively contribute to the steady rise of the Pay TV Video Encoders market, making it a lucrative industry for future investments.

    Challenges and Restraints-Pay TV Video Encoders Market:
    The Pay TV Video Encoders market faces several challenges and restraints that could impact its growth trajectory. High initial investment costs pose a significant barrier, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to enter the industry. Regulatory complexities and stringent compliance requirements add another layer of difficulty, as companies must navigate evolving policies and standards. Additionally, supply chain disruptions, including raw material shortages and logistical constraints, can hinder market expansion and lead to increased operational costs.

    Market saturation in developed regions also presents a challenge, forcing businesses to explore emerging markets where infrastructure and consumer awareness may be lacking. Intense competition among key players further pressures profit margins, making it crucial for companies to differentiate through innovation and strategic partnerships. Economic fluctuations, geopolitical instability, and changing consumer preferences add to the uncertainty, requiring businesses to adopt agile strategies to sustain long-term growth in the evolving Pay TV Video Encoders market.

    Emerging Trends-Pay TV Video Encoders Market:
    The Pay TV Video Encoders market is evolving rapidly, driven by emerging trends that are reshaping industry dynamics. One key trend is the integration of advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and IoT, which enhance efficiency, performance, and user experience. Sustainability is another major focus, with companies shifting toward eco-friendly materials and processes to meet growing environmental regulations and consumer demand for greener solutions. Additionally, the rise of personalized and customized offerings is gaining momentum, as businesses strive to cater to specific consumer preferences and industry requirements. Investments in research and development are accelerating, leading to continuous innovation and the introduction of high-performance products. The market is also witnessing a surge in strategic collaborations, partnerships, and acquisitions, as companies aim to expand their geographical footprint and technological capabilities. As these trends continue to evolve, they are expected to drive the market’s long-term growth and competitiveness in a dynamic global landscape.

    Competitive Landscape-Pay TV Video Encoders Market:

    • The competitive landscape of the Pay TV Video Encoders market is characterized by intense rivalry among key players striving for market dominance. Leading companies focus on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their market position. Continuous research and development investments are driving technological advancements, allowing businesses to enhance their offerings and gain a competitive edge.
    • Regional expansion strategies are also prominent, with companies targeting emerging markets to capitalize on growing demand. Additionally, sustainability and regulatory compliance have become crucial factors influencing competition, as businesses aim to align with evolving industry standards.
    • Startups and new entrants are introducing disruptive solutions, intensifying competition and prompting established players to adopt agile strategies. Digital transformation, AI-driven analytics, and automation are further reshaping the competitive dynamics, enabling companies to streamline operations and improve efficiency. As the market continues to evolve, business

    Pay TV Video Encoders Market -Regional Analysis
    The Pay TV Video Encoders market exhibits significant regional variations, driven by economic conditions, technological advancements, and industry-specific demand. North America remains a dominant force, supported by strong investments in research and development, a well-established industrial base, and increasing adoption of advanced solutions. The presence of key market players further enhances regional growth.

    Europe follows closely, benefiting from stringent regulations, sustainability initiatives, and a focus on innovation. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK are major contributors due to their robust industrial frameworks and technological expertise.

    Asia-Pacific is witnessing the fastest growth, fueled by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing consumer demand. China, Japan, and India play a crucial role in market expansion, with government initiatives and foreign investments accelerating development.

    Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are emerging markets with growing potential, driven by infrastructure development and expanding industrial sectors. However, challenges such as economic instability and regulatory barriers may impact growth trajectories. openPR

  • Reversing an earlier ban, Congo grants Starlink a permit

    Reversing an earlier ban, Congo grants Starlink a permit

    Democratic Republic of Congo said on Friday it had become the latest African country to grant a licence to tech billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink and that the company would begin operations soon.

    A unit of SpaceX, the satellite internet provider is rapidly expanding its services on the continent and is live in more than a dozen countries. It was granted licences by Somalia and Lesotho in April.

    War-torn Congo has low connectivity, with just around 30% of the population using the internet as of 2023, according to the International Telecommunication Union.

    The government had previously resisted allowing access to Starlink, with military officials warning it could be used by rebel groups including Rwandan-backed M23, which has seized more territory than ever before in the east of the country this year.

    In March 2024, the Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority said use of Starlink was banned and violators would face sanctions.

    The same entity announced on Friday that the company had been given a licence and “will proceed with the launch of its services in the coming days.”

    Starlink is also trying to establish a presence in neighbouring Uganda. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Tuesday that he had a productive meeting with Starlink representatives. Reuters