India has pushed back against claims by Elon Musk that unnamed “oligarchs” are preventing Starlink from entering the market. The communications ministry stated that the satellite internet approval system is equitable, non-discriminatory, and applies universally to every operator.
Musk posted the accusation on X on Wednesday, alleging that specific “oligarchs” were attempting to maintain a “monopolistic chokehold” on Indian consumers without naming any specific person or business. The remarks arrived while Starlink is still waiting on the final regulatory permissions needed to launch commercial operations in the country.
Govt Says All Three Operators Face Similar Process
The Ministry of Communications stated, “Security assessments are currently under way for all three licensed satellite communication operators. The companies are broadly at the same regulatory stage and will move to spectrum assignment after the required clearances.”
The ministry dismissed the idea that India’s regulatory framework is discriminatory as “baseless and misconceived,” adding that giving special preference to any individual operator would violate current regulations.
While Starlink, the Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, and Reliance Industries-backed Jio Satellite Communications have all obtained licenses for satellite communication services, none of them have launched commercial satellite broadband services in India yet.
Security Clearances Remain a Key Hurdle
This friction arises as Starlink awaits the final security clearances and regulatory approvals necessary before it can roll out commercial services, alongside pending spectrum allocation. The Department of Telecommunications has approved a proposed spectrum usage charge set at 5% of adjusted gross revenue, though this still needs approval from the Union Cabinet. Operators providing services in designated difficult regions might qualify for a reduced effective charge.
Stringent security requirements have become a major hurdle for foreign satellite providers. According to reports, government authorities are carefully reviewing safeguards related to satellite networks, operational control, and data protection prior to issuing final permissions. Musk’s statements followed shortly after remarks by Starlink executive Lauren Dreyer, who noted that the firm is prepared to launch operations as soon as the government grants approval.
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