Elon Musk has responded to recent claims that his satellite communication service, Starlink, is being used by rebels in Manipur, India, asserting that no Starlink services are currently operational in the country. This clarification comes after Indian security forces seized a device with the Starlink logo during operations against militant activity. Musk emphasized that “Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India,” reinforcing that the service is not legally available there.
Is Starlink Legal in India?
Starlink is not yet legal in India as it has not received the necessary regulatory approvals to operate. The Indian government has stated that Starlink must comply with strict security and regulatory requirements before it can be granted a license. Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that while the government is open to granting a license, it is contingent upon Starlink meeting all legal criteria, including data localization and security measures.
Starlink vs Telcos
The entry of Starlink into the Indian market has sparked discussions about its impact on traditional telecommunications companies (telcos). Domestic operators such as Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have expressed concerns about how satellite services like Starlink will be integrated into the existing telecom framework. They advocate for auctioning satellite spectrum similar to terrestrial networks, while global operators argue that satellite spectrum should be treated as a shared resource. The outcome of these discussions will shape the competitive landscape of internet services in India, especially as demand for high-speed connectivity continues to grow.
As Starlink faces regulatory hurdles and security issues, its prospects in India are still unclear. The company’s ability to address these issues will be crucial for its potential success in one of the world’s fastest-growing internet markets.
