1 hr ago
Sunil Mittal Says Satcom Launch Awaits Remaining Government Approvals
Some companies want to offer internet and other services using satellites in India.
They have received some important licences and clearances, but they still need more government steps before they can begin commercial service.
These steps include rules for using radio spectrum, assigning that spectrum and completing security checks.
A government commission recently approved a proposed charge based on companies’ adjusted gross revenue.
Sunil Bharti Mittal said the industry is waiting for approvals.
Elon Musk accused unnamed oligarchs of blocking Starlink, but Mittal did not directly respond.
Mittal also called for countries to coordinate on shared telecom standards.
He said local manufacturers could play a bigger role as the technology develops.
Sunil Bharti Mittal said satellite communication services can launch after remaining regulatory approvals are granted.
OneWeb, Starlink and Jio Satellite Communications have obtained GMPCS licences and space-regulator clearances.
Commercial services still require a finalized spectrum framework, formal spectrum assignment and security vetting.
The Digital Communications Commission approved a 5% adjusted gross revenue-based spectrum charge last month.
Mittal did not directly address Elon Musk’s allegation that unnamed oligarchs were obstructing Starlink in India.
- Who
- Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises; satellite operators including OneWeb, Starlink and Jio Satellite Communications.
- What
- Satellite communications services are awaiting remaining regulatory approvals before commercial launch.
- Where
- At the India Mobile Congress in India.
- When
- Mittal spoke on Thursday at the India Mobile Congress 2026; the DCC decision was made last month.
- Why
- Commercial launch requires the government to finalise the spectrum framework, formally assign spectrum and complete security vetting.
Musk's allegation
Mittal's response
Why Starlink is delayed
Musk's allegation
Elon Musk alleged that certain oligarchs were blocking Starlink to protect a monopolistic chokehold on Indian consumers, calling the alleged obstruction a crime against the people of India.
Mittal's response
Mittal did not directly respond to Musk's remarks. He said the industry was awaiting its approvals and spoke instead about collaboration and global coordination.
Key facts
- Companies named
- OneWeb, Starlink and Jio Satellite Communications
- Licensing status
- All three have obtained a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence and space-regulator clearances.
- Outstanding requirements
- Final spectrum framework, formal spectrum assignment and security vetting
- Spectrum charge approved
- 5% of adjusted gross revenue, according to the Digital Communications Commission decision
- Mittal's proposal
- An international telecom framework with common standards and technologies, modelled on aviation
- Local participation
- Mittal said domestic manufacturers and local players would participate more as the technology develops, without giving targets.
Quotes
Sunil Bharti Mittal
Founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises
“We are waiting for our own approvals.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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