From The Economic Times · Himanshi Lohchab · · 1m
Government Rejects Musk's Discrimination Claims
Indian government says all satellite operators at same regulatory stage.
In brief
Indian government says all satellite operators at same regulatory stage. Indian government rejects Elon Musk's claim that oligarchs blocked Starlink's entry in India, stating all three licensed satellite operators are undergoing security assessments at the same regulatory stage. Originally reported by The Economic…
Government rejects Musk's discrimination claims
The Indian government rejected Elon Musk's claims of discrimination in India's satellite communications approval process.
“The Indian government has rejected Elon Musk’s claims of discrimination in India’s satellite communications approval process”
All three operators at same regulatory stage
The government stated all three licensed satellite operators are undergoing security assessments at the same regulatory stage.
“Security assessment as part of this process is currently under way in respect of all the three licensees…At present, all the three entities are at broadly the same regulatory stage”
Musk alleges oligarchs block Starlink
Elon Musk claimed unnamed oligarchs blocked Starlink's entry in India to maintain monopolistic control.
“Unfortunately, we are being blocked by certain oligarchs in order to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people”
Starlink ready for India services
Starlink has built 20 gateway sites and hundreds of antennas in India and invested in infrastructure.
“We built our Starlink operations specifically for India in recognition of Indian security requirements”
All companies waiting for security clearance
Bharti Group-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite also need security clearance before launching services.
“Both Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite too have satcom permit and authorisation from space regulator”
Government to decide on spectrum pricing
The government will soon decide on pricing for spectrum allocation for satellite services.
“In addition to security clearance, the three companies need spectrum for launching services, for which the government is likely to take a call soon on pricing”
The essence
Indian government rejects Elon Musk's claim that oligarchs blocked Starlink's entry in India, stating all three licensed satellite operators are undergoing security assessments at the same regulatory stage.
