Tech billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink, satellite-based internet service, has reportedly received tentative approval from the Ministry of Communications in India ahead of his visit to the country. The approval awaits final clearance by the Home Ministry regarding security issues and licensing conditions. Once approved, it will be issued a GMPCS license to operate in India.

Musk’s previous attempt to launch Starlink in India faced hurdles due to disagreements with the government over licensing. The latest attempt in November 2022 led to the cancellation of planned trials. However, with the recent passing of The Telecommunications Bill 2023, the spectrum allocation for satellite-based services has become easier, benefitting companies like Starlink.

The upcoming visit of Elon Musk to India is expected to bring big announcements, including the launch of Starlink and investments in the country ranging from $2 billion to $3 billion. Musk’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to further solidify plans for the expansion of his ventures in India, along with addressing any remaining regulatory issues.

The commercial and technical aspects of Starlink’s operations have been scrutinized, and upon receiving approval from Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the satellite internet service will be one step closer to providing communication services in India. With the potential opening up of the Indian market to satellite-based services, Musk’s visit is eagerly anticipated by stakeholders in the tech and communications sectors.

Apple in talks with Indian companies for assembling camera modules

New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) Apple is reportedly in advanced discussions with Tata Group’s Titan Company and Murugappa Group to manufacture camera sub-components for iPhones in India. This move aims to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers and boost the country’s role in the global supply chain.

Currently, there are no Indian suppliers for the iPhone’s camera module, a highly sophisticated technology. Titan and Murugappa, known for high-precision manufacturing, have qualified for government incentives to establish a chip assembly unit under the PLI scheme.

Tata Group, which acquired Wistron’s India operations last year, is also considering acquiring Pegatron’s iPhone manufacturing facility near Chennai. Reports suggest Tata is planning to build a significant iPhone assembly plant in Tamil Nadu’s Hosur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently initiated three semiconductor projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore in the country, including Tata Electronics’ chip fabrication facility in Gujarat and an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Assam, both significant investments by the Tata Group.

Overall, these developments highlight Apple’s efforts to diversify its supply chain and boost localization of manufacturing in India, aligning with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative towards self-reliance and economic growth.

New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) Fintech major Paytm clarified the status of its licensing process, denying any deferral or penalties. Recent media reports speculated on the deferral of Paytm Payment Services Limited’s license application and potential penalties. The company spokesperson stated that the information appears speculative as the government has consistently championed fintech initiatives.

PPSL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of One 97 Communications Ltd (OCL), applied for an online Payment Aggregator (PA) license for online merchants. The company emphasized that the formation of PPSL, transfer of online payments business, and investment of capital in PPSL were necessary to comply with RBI’s guidelines.

Paytm, an Indian company, underlines its commitment to indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation. The spokesperson mentioned that all key managerial personnel and board members of OCL are of Indian origin, with no Chinese capital raised by OCL after the introduction of Press Note 3 of 2020. The investment of Rs 500 million in PPSL was made from OCL’s existing cash reserves to comply with RBI’s regulations.

The regulator requested PPSL to obtain necessary approvals for the investment of Rs 500 million and resubmit the application, to which PPSL complied promptly. As per the company’s stock exchange filing dated March 26, 2023, PPSL was granted an extension and allowed to continue with its online payment aggregation business for existing partners.