India denies bias in satellite internet approvals after Musk's 'oligarchs' jab
SPCX•India said its satellite internet approval process is fair and non-discriminatory after Elon Musk accused unnamed “oligarchs” of blocking Starlink. Starlink, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have early approvals but are awaiting spectrum assignment and final clearances.
1. India defends process
India's telecommunications ministry said three entities were at broadly the same regulatory stage, with security assessments under way for each. It called the suggestion that the framework or its application was unfair or discriminatory “baseless and misconceived.”
2. Approvals remain pending
Starlink has waited four years amid scrutiny over security requirements and spectrum access. Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel also have early approvals for satellite internet ventures but are awaiting spectrum assignment and final clearances.
3. Market and security context
Musk accused unnamed “oligarchs” of seeking to maintain a monopolistic hold on India's market. Authorities said Starlink devices were found in two operations in late 2024, involving a drug seizure in the Andaman and Nicobar islands and an army search in Manipur. Deloitte has forecast India's satellite broadband market will be worth $1.9 billion by 2030.
