Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai.Elon Musk has questioned why his satellite internet service, Starlink, has yet to receive a licence to operate in India, despite being approved in more than 165 countries. His remarks have triggered a political exchange with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who welcomed the billionaire to India and made a pointed reference to another industrialist.
In a post on X on Thursday, Musk said Starlink had been complying with Indian government laws and requirements for the past five years. He questioned the continued delay and asked whether industrialist Mukesh Ambani was the real power in the country.
Gandhi responded: “Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you meet the other guy.”
His reference was widely interpreted as pointing to industrialist Gautam Adani, whom Gandhi has frequently accused, along with Ambani, of benefiting from alleged proximity to the Narendra Modi government. Musk replied to Gandhi, thanking him and saying the situation was “very troubling”.
Musk questions delay in Starlink’s Indian entry
Musk’s latest remarks follow his earlier allegations that some powerful Indian business interests were trying to prevent Starlink from entering the domestic market to protect their dominance. On October 7, Musk accused unnamed business leaders of opposing the service’s entry to preserve their market position. He suggested that their actions were against the interests of Indian citizens.
The Indian government has rejected the allegations, maintaining that satellite communication rules apply equally to all companies.
Government says security checks remain underway
On October 8, the government said satellite communication companies were subject to the same regulatory framework and dismissed claims of discriminatory treatment. It said security reviews were underway for three companies. Once a company completes its security assessment, it can proceed to the next stage of seeking spectrum allocation.
The government’s position places security clearance and spectrum allocation among the key steps that must be completed before commercial services can begin.
Starlink builds infrastructure across 20 locations
Starlink has established 20 gateway sites across India, according to the report. These ground stations connect Starlink’s satellites in space to terrestrial internet networks. Hundreds of antennas have been installed at these locations to facilitate the transfer of internet signals.
The infrastructure forms part of the preparations for a potential nationwide rollout, although regulatory approvals remain essential.
Jio and Airtel agreements support market entry plans
Starlink has signed preliminary memorandums of understanding with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel as part of its efforts to expand its network in India. The company has also signed letters of intent with the governments of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Meghalaya to explore the provision of services at the state level. These agreements indicate preparations for partnerships and local deployment, but they do not by themselves constitute final operating approval.
What is Starlink and how does it work?
Starlink is a satellite internet project operated by SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace company. It uses satellites in low Earth orbit to provide broadband connectivity. Unlike conventional internet services that depend heavily on terrestrial infrastructure, satellite internet can reach areas where fibre-optic networks and mobile coverage are limited.
Its potential applications include:
- Connecting villages, remote regions and mountainous areas.
- Supporting online education and telemedicine.
- Providing internet access to businesses in underserved locations.
- Expanding competition in India’s telecommunications market.
Why has Starlink’s licence taken so long?
Starlink has been pursuing entry into India since 2022. Security concerns and regulatory requirements have been central to the delay. The government has imposed conditions relating to data security and the interception of communications. Starlink has indicated its willingness to comply with the requirements.
However, the completion of security checks and the subsequent spectrum allocation process remain important to the service’s launch.
Why India matters to Musk’s business plans
India is one of the world’s largest internet markets, making it a significant potential market for Starlink. A licence would give SpaceX access to a vast customer base, including people and businesses in areas poorly served by conventional broadband networks. The expansion could also increase competition among internet service providers. The extent of any impact on prices and existing operators would depend on the service’s final terms, coverage and commercial rollout.
How users will receive satellite internet
Starlink’s system uses satellites to beam internet connectivity to a dish installed at the user’s premises. The dish communicates with the satellite network, while a Wi-Fi router distributes the connection to devices.
A typical Starlink kit includes:
- A Starlink dish.
- A Wi-Fi router.
- Power supply and cables.
- A mounting stand or tripod.
The dish needs a clear view of the sky for reliable connectivity. Starlink’s app, available for iOS and Android, helps users set up and monitor the system. The service is designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet. Latency refers to the time data takes to travel from one point to another.
For now, Starlink’s entry into India depends on regulatory clearances, security compliance and spectrum allocation. Musk’s public criticism has brought the delay into the political spotlight, while the government maintains that the rules apply equally to all satellite communication providers.
