In a statement released Thursday, India’s Ministry of Telecommunications affirmed that the nation’s satellite internet approval process is fair, transparent, and non‑discriminatory. The ministry’s remarks came just hours after billionaire Elon Musk took to X to accuse unnamed “oligarchs” of deliberately blocking the launch of his Starlink service in India.
Regulatory stage is the same for all applicants
The ministry explained that three entities – Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite venture and Bharti Airtel’s satellite project – are all at broadly the same stage of regulatory review. Each is undergoing security assessments and awaiting final spectrum assignments before commercial operations can begin. No company names were disclosed in the official statement, and the ministry did not directly address Musk’s allegations.
“The suggestion that the framework or its application is unfair or discriminatory is baseless and misconceived,” the ministry said, emphasizing that the process applies equally to all qualified applicants.
Background on India’s satellite broadband market
India’s telecom market is dominated by billionaire owners Mukesh Ambani (Reliance Jio) and Sunil Mittal (Bharti Airtel). Their satellite internet initiatives, alongside Musk’s Starlink, have already secured early approvals but are still waiting for spectrum allocation and final clearances. The waiting period for Starlink has stretched to four years, largely due to heightened security scrutiny and the complex task of assigning appropriate spectrum.
Industry analysts at Deloitte project that India’s satellite broadband market could be worth roughly $1.9 billion by 2030, underscoring the strategic importance of timely approvals.
Security concerns and past incidents
Security considerations have featured prominently in the review process. Indian authorities reported recovering Starlink equipment in two separate incidents in late 2024: a drug seizure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and an army‑led search in Manipur state. Musk later claimed that Starlink’s satellite beams were “turned off over India” and “never on in the first place,” a statement he repeated on Wednesday.
These incidents have reinforced the ministry’s caution, prompting thorough security assessments for all satellite providers.
International context
The timing of the dispute adds a diplomatic dimension. The United States has promoted Starlink’s market entry as a goodwill gesture in ongoing trade talks with countries facing tariff pressures. New Delhi and Washington have been working to finalize a broader trade agreement since a framework was reached in February.
Despite the diplomatic backdrop, the Indian government maintains that its regulatory framework remains impartial and focused on national security and fair competition.
Industry response
Representatives for Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Both companies have previously expressed optimism about expanding satellite services to reach underserved regions of the country.
While Musk’s public criticism has drawn attention, the Indian ministry’s stance underscores a commitment to a level playing field for all satellite internet providers, ensuring that any final decision will be based on security compliance and spectrum availability rather than external pressure.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
