2 hrs ago
India Opens Satellite Internet Market to Multiple Providers
India has given licences to three companies to provide satellite communication services.
They are Starlink, Reliance Jio and OneWeb.
They cannot start selling services until they meet security rules and other requirements.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the government will not favour one kind of technology or company.
He said customers should be able to choose the service they like.
Amazon's Project Kuiper still needs to get the necessary licences.
The government is also working out the charges operators will have to pay.
Satellite internet could help connect places that are remote or do not have good service.
Jyotiraditya Scindia said Starlink, Reliance Jio and OneWeb may launch satellite communication services after meeting security and regulatory requirements.
The minister said India will remain technology-neutral and let customers choose among providers in a competitive market.
He said a licence alone does not authorize commercial operations; each operator must meet required security measures and other milestones.
Amazon's Project Kuiper still needs to complete the licensing process to operate in India.
The government is finalising a framework for revenue charges on satellite communication operators.
- Who
- Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, and satellite operators Starlink, Reliance Jio and OneWeb.
- What
- Scindia said licensed satellite communication providers can begin services after meeting security and regulatory conditions, and customers will have a choice of providers.
- Where
- New Delhi, including a CEO round table at Yashobhoomi.
- When
- October 9, 2026, during India Mobile Congress 2026.
- Why
- The government says it aims to provide a predictable, technology-neutral framework and competitive choice for customers.
Government's stated approach
Operator requirements
Market access and customer choice
Government's stated approach
Scindia said the government will be technology-neutral, will not tolerate monopolies and will allow customers to choose providers in a competitive market.
Operator requirements
Companies cannot begin commercial operations solely because they hold a licence; they must meet security requirements and other regulatory milestones.
Key facts
- Minister
- Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Communications Minister
- Announcement date
- October 9, 2026
- Event
- India Mobile Congress 2026
- Licensed operators named
- Reliance Jio, OneWeb and Starlink
- Operational condition
- Operators must meet security requirements and other regulatory milestones before commercial operations.
- Amazon Project Kuiper
- Must complete the required licensing process.
- Revenue charges
- The government is finalising a framework for charges on satellite communication operators.
Quotes
Jyotiraditya Scindia
India’s Union Communications Minister
“Government is technology agnostic. Our job is to provide the bouquet of services. It is for customers to choose in a free market what they prefer.”
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Sources
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