Archive · 9 Oct 2026
India Nears Finalisation of Satellite Spectrum Pricing Framework
India is working on how much satellite companies should pay to use radio spectrum.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the decision is nearly ready.
Starlink, Jio Satcom and Eutelsat OneWeb have licences, but they still need to meet security and other rules before offering services.
The government will assign spectrum after it settles the pricing framework.
Scindia said the rules apply to all companies and that people should be able to choose their service.
Elon Musk has complained that Starlink’s entry is taking too long.
The government says having a licence does not remove the need to meet security requirements.
Amazon’s Kuiper has also expressed interest in the Indian market.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India is close to finalising satellite spectrum pricing.
Starlink, Jio Satcom and Eutelsat OneWeb have received licences, but must meet security and regulatory requirements before starting services.
Spectrum will be assigned after the government decides on the pricing framework.
Scindia rejected allegations of favouritism and said consumers should be able to choose their provider and technology.
Elon Musk has criticised delays to Starlink’s entry, while the government says all operators must meet the same requirements.
- Who
- Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia; licensed satcom operators Starlink, Jio Satcom and Eutelsat OneWeb.
- What
- India is nearing a decision on satellite communication spectrum pricing; operators must also meet security and regulatory conditions before launching services.
- When
- Scindia made the remarks on Friday, on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The pricing framework must be decided before spectrum is assigned, and operators must satisfy security and other requirements before beginning services.
Government’s position
Starlink’s criticism
Delay in launching services
Government’s position
The government says a licence does not exempt an operator from security conditions and other requirements.
Starlink’s criticism
Elon Musk has criticised the delay, saying Starlink is licensed in more than 165 countries and has spent five years complying with Indian government requirements.
Fairness of the process
Government’s position
Scindia says the government is technology-agnostic, rejects favouritism and maintains that security rules apply to every licensee.
Starlink’s criticism
Musk has alleged that Indian business interests are obstructing Starlink’s entry and maintaining a monopolistic chokehold on consumers.
- Pricing decision
- The government is close to finalising the satcom spectrum pricing framework.
- Licensed operators
- Starlink, Jio Satcom and Eutelsat OneWeb have received satcom licences.
- Conditions for launch
- Each operator must meet prescribed security conditions and other regulatory requirements.
- Spectrum assignment
- Spectrum assignment will follow the government’s decision on pricing.
- Additional market interest
- Amazon’s Kuiper has expressed interest in the Indian market and must follow the established procedure.
- Government position
- Scindia said the government is technology-agnostic and does not allow monopolies.
- Starlink's complaint
- Elon Musk questioned the delay, saying Starlink was licensed in more than 165 countries and had spent five years complying with Indian requirements.