India’s communications ministry said on Thursday that its authorisation framework is “fair and non-discriminatory” for all telecom services, including satellite communication. It said clearing any single operator ahead of others would go against this framework.
The ministry said security assessment is under way for all three licensees. After it is done, the companies will move to the next stage, which is seeking spectrum assignment. It said all three are at broadly the same regulatory stage. It called the suggestion of unfair treatment “baseless and misconceived”.
The statement came a day after Elon Musk alleged on X that “certain oligarchs” were blocking Starlink’s entry into India. He did not name any company or group. He wrote that this was “a crime against the people of India”. He was replying to a post that said India needs Starlink for remote regions and asked the government to finish the remaining clearances.
Musk’s post came hours after Starlink executive Lauren Dreyer spoke at the India Mobile Congress. She said Starlink is ready to start once it gets approval. She said it has built its operations around India’s security rules and keeps Indian user data in India. She said it has 20 gateway sites in the country.
Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications all have licences. All three await security clearances. Starlink also awaits approval for foreign direct investment.
The Department of Telecommunications has approved a spectrum charge of 5% of adjusted gross revenue. The Union Cabinet has not yet approved it. India is also seeking assurances of control over satellite systems in emergencies.
