New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Indian government has dismissed claims that Starlink is being singled out in the country’s satellite internet approval process, saying that all three companies operating under the relevant satellite communication licence framework are currently undergoing security assessments.
The response came after Elon Musk alleged on social media that unnamed business groups were standing in the way of Starlink’s launch in India. The SpaceX chief claimed that certain “oligarchs” were attempting to preserve their dominant position in the Indian telecommunications market.
Musk described the alleged obstruction as harmful to Indian consumers and questioned why Starlink had not yet been allowed to begin providing its satellite internet service.
The government, however, said India’s regulatory system was designed to apply the same requirements to satellite communication providers. In its statement, it rejected the suggestion that the rules were being implemented selectively or unfairly.
According to the government, licences have already been issued to three global operators providing mobile personal communications through non-geostationary satellite systems. Each company must complete a security compliance process before it can move to the next stage of obtaining spectrum.
The Centre said the security review covers requirements intended to safeguard users, communications networks and data. It added that the assessment process is currently underway for all three licensed companies.
Only after completing the security requirements can an operator proceed with the process of seeking spectrum allocation, the government explained.
The government therefore maintained that there is no regulatory advantage being given to one company over another. It said the three operators are, at present, broadly at the same point in the approval process.
The clarification comes as satellite-based internet services attract growing attention in India, where companies are looking to expand high-speed connectivity beyond conventional terrestrial networks. Satellite broadband could be particularly significant in areas where building traditional telecom infrastructure is difficult.
Musk’s comments had raised questions over whether regulatory hurdles were delaying Starlink’s proposed entry into the Indian market. The government’s latest statement seeks to counter that perception, maintaining that security and spectrum procedures are standard requirements rather than measures directed at any individual company.
The Centre described allegations that India’s satellite communication framework is discriminatory as unfounded, reiterating that the same regulatory conditions apply across the licensed operators.
