Govt approves 5% spectrum usage charge for satellite internet

India has approved a 5% AGR-linked spectrum charge for satellite internet providers, including Starlink, OneWeb and Jio Satellite, with a 1% discount for services in designated hard-to-connect areas. Satellite spectrum will be administratively assigned for five years, extendable by two years. The decision clears a major regulatory hurdle for satellite broadband, although further approvals remain.