India has rejected Elon Musk’s claim that unnamed “oligarchs” are deliberately preventing Starlink from launching its satellite internet service in the country, saying its regulatory process is fair and applies equally to all licensed operators.
Musk accused on Wednesday, claiming that unnamed business interests were trying to protect what he described as a “monopolistic chokehold” over India’s internet market. He did not identify the companies or individuals involved or provide evidence to support the claim. Musk also described the alleged interference as a “crime against the people of India” and argued that Starlink could provide affordable high-speed internet to underserved areas.
India’s Ministry of Communications rejected the allegation on Thursday, saying the country’s satellite communications policies are “fair and non-discriminatory.” The ministry said Starlink and two other licensed satellite operators are broadly at the same stage of the approval process.
The companies still need to complete security assessments before spectrum can be allocated. Spectrum allocation is required before satellite operators can begin providing commercial services in India.
Starlink has spent years preparing to enter India, one of the world’s largest internet markets. The company has secured key licences and built much of the infrastructure needed for its service, but commercial operations have yet to begin because additional regulatory requirements remain.
SpaceX says it is ready to launch. Starlink has built 20 gateway sites across India equipped with hundreds of antennas and has established security measures designed specifically for the Indian market. The company has also said Indian users’ data will remain within the country.
Starlink executives say the company has spent about five years working with Indian regulators, telecom operators and other stakeholders to meet local requirements. The company has maintained that it can begin serving customers once the remaining government approvals are completed.
Starlink is one of three companies licensed to provide satellite communications services in India, alongside Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelsat OneWeb. However, having a licence does not automatically allow commercial operations, with spectrum allocation and security clearances still required.
The dispute also follows a long-running debate over how satellite spectrum should be assigned in India. SpaceX has supported administrative allocation, while Reliance Jio has argued that satellite spectrum should be auctioned. India ultimately chose an administrative allocation model.
Jio and Bharti Airtel are also developing satellite connectivity businesses while working with satellite operators. Jio is pursuing satellite broadband with SES, while Airtel is linked to Eutelsat OneWeb.
Starlink previously attempted to enter the Indian market in 2021 but was ordered to refund customer preorders after Indian authorities said the company had accepted bookings before obtaining the necessary approvals.
For now, the disagreement appears to be focused on security checks, spectrum allocation and other regulatory requirements rather than an official ban on Starlink. India maintains that the same framework applies to all licensed satellite operators, while Musk continues to argue that unnamed interests are preventing the company from moving forward.
The timing of Starlink’s commercial launch in India remains uncertain as the company waits for the remaining approvals.
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