2 hrs ago
Satcom Firms Await Home Ministry Security Clearance in India
Satellite internet companies in India have licences and provisional approval to use some radio spectrum.
They still need security checks from the Home Ministry before they can begin service.
Minister Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said this applies to companies generally, not just one company.
The government said three satellite providers are being checked under the same rules.
Elon Musk said unnamed business interests were blocking Starlink, but the government said it treats providers fairly.
Starlink says it has built equipment and operations in India and is ready to provide service.
Musk also said Starlink’s beams are turned off over India and denied that the service was used by militants in Manipur.
The articles do not give a date for when the security reviews will be finished.
Communications Minister of State Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said satcom providers are awaiting security clearance from the Home Ministry.
The Department of Telecommunications has issued licences and provisional spectrum-related approvals to satcom companies.
The government said three non-geostationary satellite service licensees are undergoing security assessments under the same requirements.
Elon Musk alleged unnamed business interests were blocking Starlink in India; the government said its framework is fair and non-discriminatory.
Starlink said it has built India-specific operations and 20 gateway sites; Musk denied its service was used by militants in Manipur, saying its beams are off over India.
- Who
- The Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Telecommunications, Communications Minister of State Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, and satellite communications providers including Starlink.
- What
- Security assessments remain pending for satellite communications providers despite licences and provisional spectrum-related approvals.
- Where
- India.
- When
- Pemmasani spoke on Thursday during India Mobile Congress 2026; Musk made his claims on Wednesday.
- Why
- The Home Ministry is assessing security requirements for satellite communications services and their users' data.
Government and company statements
Musk's allegations
Why Starlink has not launched
Government and company statements
The government said security assessment is pending for all three licensees and that the process is not specific to one company.
Musk's allegations
Musk alleged that unnamed oligarchs were blocking Starlink to maintain a monopolistic position in India.
Fairness of the regulatory process
Government and company statements
The government said it applies a fair, non-discriminatory framework and the same regulatory and security requirements to all licensees.
Musk's allegations
Musk claimed that Starlink was being blocked by business interests seeking to preserve their market position.
Key facts
- Minister
- Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications
- Clearance status
- Security assessments are underway with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Licences
- The government said licences have been granted to three GMPCS providers operating non-geostationary satellite networks.
- Spectrum
- The Department of Telecommunications has issued provisional spectrum-related approvals.
- Starlink infrastructure
- Starlink said it has built 20 gateway sites in India, with hundreds of antennas.
- Starlink data controls
- Lauren Dreyer said Starlink had established India-specific controls and would keep Indian user data within India.
- Manipur claim
- Musk denied Starlink was used by militants in Manipur, saying its beams are turned off over India.
Quotes
Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani
India's Minister of State for Communications
“Now the issue is pending with MHA for security clearance. As soon as it is cleared, they will get it. It has nothing to do with one company.”
deccanchronicle.com
thehansindia.com
“Starlink beams are turned off over India, so the claim that they were used by anyone for any reason is absolutely false.”
deccanchronicle.com
Lauren Dreyer
Starlink Business Operations Vice President at SpaceX
“We've built our Starlink operations specifically for India in recognition of Indian security requirements and other regulations, establishing controls at every layer for India, and keeping Indian user data within India.”
deccanchronicle.com
Ministry of Communications
The Indian government ministry responsible for communications
“This is aimed at ensuring that services provided meet various security requirements to ensure the safety of all users and their data. Security assessment as part of this process is currently underway in respect of all the three licensees.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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