Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed concerns regarding the satellite internet market on Friday, October 9, 2026, stating that India does not permit monopolies in any sector. His remarks came in response to comments made by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who had previously alleged that "oligarchs" were attempting to block the entry of Starlink’s satellite internet services into the Indian market.
Emphasizing the government's stance, Mr. Scindia asserted that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) operates as a "technology agnostic" entity. He noted that the primary objective of the government is to ensure a diverse "bouquet of services" is available to every consumer. According to the Minister, the responsibility of the regulatory framework is to facilitate a free market where customers hold the power to choose their preferred service provider from among competing options.
The Minister further reiterated the position shared by the DoT on October 8, 2026, confirming that all three current satellite internet license applicants—Starlink, Jio, and Bharti-backed OneWeb—are currently at the same stage of the approval process. Mr. Scindia clarified that operations can commence only after the revenue charges system is finalized and each applicant fulfills all requisite milestones, including security clearances and other government prerequisites.
Addressing queries regarding the timeline for finalizing the revenue charge system, Mr. Scindia suggested a cautious approach, indicating that the department aims to avoid hurried decisions that could invite future scrutiny. The government maintains that once each party meets the necessary security and regulatory requirements, they will be permitted to begin their operations in India.
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