Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said that India does not allow monopolies in any sector. He also criticised the Congress over its stance on Starlink’s licence to operate in India.
Speaking at the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress 2026 in New Delhi yesterday, Mr Scindia said, three companies – Starlink, Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelsat OneWeb – had secured satellite communication licences. He said the government would allocate spectrum to these companies on a revenue-sharing basis once the framework was finalised.
He stressed that satellite communication operators would be allowed to commence services only after individually fulfilling the prescribed security norms and other regulatory requirements. The Minister said the government’s responsibility was to provide customers with a range of services, while allowing them to choose their preferred options in a free market.
The Ministry of Communications said India’s regulatory framework for satellite communication services is fair and non-discriminatory. It added that, under the terms and conditions of their licences, all licensees are required to demonstrate compliance with security requirements. This is intended to ensure that the services provided meet the necessary security standards and safeguard users and their data.
