Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday said India does not allow a monopoly in any sector, defending the government's approach to satellite communication services amid the controversy surrounding Starlink's planned entry into the Indian market.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress 2026 in New Delhi, Scindia said three companies—Starlink, Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelsat OneWeb—had received satellite communication licences.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Scindia said India does not allow monopolies in any sector.
Starlink, Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelsat OneWeb have received satellite communication licences.
Spectrum assignment depends on finalisation of the applicable charging framework.
Each operator must fulfil the prescribed security and regulatory requirements.
The government says its approach is intended to support competition and consumer choice.
The minister said spectrum would be assigned to the licensed operators once the government finalised the revenue-based spectrum charging framework. He added that each operator would have to fulfil the prescribed security requirements and other regulatory conditions before commencing commercial services.
Scindia said the Department of Telecommunications followed a technology-neutral approach and aimed to provide consumers with a range of connectivity options. He said customers should be free to choose their preferred services and providers in a competitive market.
The minister also criticised the Congress party over its position on the Starlink licensing issue.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Satellite internet services could expand connectivity in remote and underserved parts of India. The spectrum framework and security clearances will influence when licensed operators can launch commercial services and compete in the country's connectivity market.
The Communications Ministry has maintained that India's regulatory framework for satellite communication services is fair and non-discriminatory. Licensed operators must comply with the applicable security conditions before they can begin commercial operations.
The issue has attracted attention following public exchanges concerning Starlink's delayed commercial launch in India and allegations of barriers to market entry. The government has said that all three licensed satellite communication operators must meet the applicable regulatory requirements before services can begin.
