India
Centre rejects Musk claim on Starlink block
The Indian Express··4d ago
The Ministry of Communications on Thursday said India’s satellite communication rules are fair and non-discriminatory. The statement followed Elon Musk’s claim that oligarchs were blocking Starlink. The Centre called unfair-treatment claims baseless and misconceived. Licences went to Starlink, Jio and OneWeb, all at the same security stage. None has started full commercial service yet, Bloomberg reported.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Starlink still awaits security clearance and spectrum before commercial service can start in India.
- Users in remote areas remain without Starlink access until those steps finish.
- Jio and OneWeb face the same security and spectrum sequence before launch.
What's Happening
- Musk alleged on X on October 7 that oligarchs were blocking Starlink to protect a monopolistic chokehold.
- A PIB statement said all three licensed satellite firms are at broadly the same regulatory stage.
- Starlink vice-president Lauren Dreyer said the firm had built 20 gateway sites in India.
Where the licence process stands
- India has issued satellite communication licences to Starlink, Jio and OneWeb.
- Each licensee has to show compliance with security conditions before spectrum assignment.
- Dreyer said Starlink had worked with Indian regulators for five years.
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