The Government of India has defended its satellite communication regulatory framework as “fair and non-discriminatory”, while SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has accused unnamed “oligarchs” of blocking Starlink’s entry into the country. The developments come as Starlink and two other satellite broadband providers move through India’s regulatory process, with security clearances and spectrum assignment still pending.
The government issued the clarification after a social media post questioned whether India’s regulatory framework for satellite communication services was being applied in a discriminatory manner. It said licences have been granted to three Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) services based on non-geosynchronous satellite orbit (NGSO) satellite communications.
Under the licence terms, each licensee must demonstrate compliance with security conditions to ensure the safety of users and data. Security assessments are currently underway for all three licensees, and once completed for a licensed entity, it can proceed to seek spectrum assignment. The government said all three entities are currently at broadly the same regulatory stage, calling claims that the framework or its application is unfair or discriminatory “baseless and misconceived.”
India’s connectivity gaps
The government’s statement follows an X post by DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) calling for Starlink to begin services in India and highlighting the country’s connectivity gaps.
The post said 11,256 listed villages lacked 4G coverage as of May 2026 and cited rural internet subscription density of 48.31 per 100 people, compared with 126.80 in urban India. It also said BharatNet had laid more than 850,000 route-km of fibre, while Points of Presence were operational at 80,472 Gram Panchayats in June 2026.
It argued that Starlink could provide another connectivity option for remote villages, mountains and islands where extending fibre or mobile networks is difficult. The post also highlighted:
- Connectivity for remote schools and telemedicine
- Backup communications during disasters
- Internet access for underserved communities
- Direct to Cell connectivity beyond tower coverage, subject to approvals and mobile operator partnerships
DogeDesigner also said Starlink has built 20 gateway sites in India, citing SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Business Operations Lauren Dreyer, and said the company has developed India-specific security controls designed to keep Indian user data within India.
The post called for the remaining clearances and spectrum allocation so Starlink can begin commercial service. It also quoted Dreyer as saying Starlink is ready to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of 100% connectivity across India.
Elon Musk alleges Starlink is being blocked
Musk responded by alleging that Starlink is being blocked by unnamed “oligarchs” to maintain what he described as a “monopolistic chokehold” on the Indian people.
This is a crime against the people of India!
In another reply, Musk said Starlink beams are turned off over India, adding that claims that they were used by anyone for any reason are “absolutely false.”
Starlink’s India plans
Starlink has been preparing for its India launch, with the December 2025 report pointing to planned gateway earth stations in Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Noida. The company later clarified that pricing briefly shown on its website was dummy test data caused by a glitch and that it was not accepting orders in India.
Meanwhile, Bharti Group-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Industries-backed Jio Satellite Communications also hold licences for satellite communication services in India. Jio is developing its own low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation, while Amazon Leo is eyeing India.
More clarity on their commercial launches is likely as the regulatory process moves forward.