Three Satcom Firms Get Licences, Can Start Operations After Security Clearance: Scindia
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia says three satellite communication companies can begin operations after meeting security requirements and the government finalises spectrum charges, amid the debate over Starlink’s India launch.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said three satellite communication (satcom) companies have received licences in India and can begin operations once they meet security requirements and the government finalises the spectrum pricing mechanism.
His remarks come amid a debate over satellite internet services following an exchange between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Elon Musk on X over the rollout of satcom services in India.
Scindia said spectrum would be assigned to the licence holders after the government decides the revenue-based charging framework. Each company must also independently fulfil the applicable security conditions before launching services.
The minister stressed that India does not permit monopolies and that consumers should have multiple service providers to choose from. He said the debate had focused heavily on one company despite three operators having secured licences.
TRAI, DoT Near Decision on Spectrum Charges
Scindia said the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) were close to finalising the spectrum pricing framework.
The decision is a key step towards commercial satellite internet services in India. However, licences alone do not authorise operators to begin services without spectrum assignment and the required security clearances.
Scindia Criticises Congress Over Starlink Debate
The minister also accused the Congress of taking inconsistent positions on the issue. He said the party had earlier objected to a particular individual receiving a licence but was now questioning the delay in allowing services to proceed.
The controversy has brought renewed attention to Starlink and the wider satcom market. The government maintains that all eligible operators must follow the applicable policy framework, spectrum rules and security requirements before launching services.
