Top line
The Indian government rejected Elon Musk’s project on Thursday. complaints that “some oligarchs” were blocking the deployment of its Starlink satellite internet service in the country, and said it had put in place “fair and non-discriminatory” regulations to approve satellite communications services.
SpaceXAI CEO Elon Musk has claimed that “some oligarchs” are blocking the launch of Starlink’s internet services in India.
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Key facts
The ministry said three satellite communications operators have received telecommunications licenses and all are currently “undergoing security assessment” as part of the approval process.
Starlink is one of three suppliers which received the initial license from the government last year.
The government statement added that the three companies are “broadly at the same regulatory stage” and that any suggestions of unfair or discriminatory regulation are “baseless and ill-conceived.”
What did Musk say about Starlink launching in India?
Wednesday, Musk reshared a message on Xstating that India needs Starlink, and wrote: “Unfortunately, we are being blocked by some oligarchs in order to maintain their monopolistic hold on the people of India… This is a crime against the people of India! The billionaire didn’t name anyone in particular but wrote: “You can guess who they are.” » Musk too pushed back against claims that militants in northeast India were using Starlink, saying: “The Starlink beams are off over India, so the claim that they were used by anyone for any reason is absolutely false.” »
Forbes Rating
According to Forbes estimates, Ambani current net worth is $80.8 billion, making him the richest person in India and the 25th richest person in the world. We estimate Mittal’s fortune to be around $12.8 billion. Ambani’s Reliance Jio and Mittal’s Airtel are currently the two largest telecom providers in India.
contra
It is unclear whether Musk’s message was meant to be a dig at Ambani or Mittal, however, Airtel and Jio had last year announced deals with SpaceX to offer Starlink’s satellite internet services to their customers, after receiving government approval. Both companies said they would consider selling Starlink equipment through their retail and online storefronts.
key background
Speaking at the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi on Tuesday, Lauren Dreyer, vice president of Starlink commercial operations at SpaceX, said the company built Starlink operations in the country with “Indian security requirements and other regulations” in mind. She added that the company has “already invested and built the existing ground infrastructure here – 20 gateway sites comprising hundreds of antennas – and we have set up the operations to be ready to serve India.” Dreyer expressed hope that Starlink will receive final approval by next year, although the government has not yet set a timeline.
further reading
Elon Musk accuses unnamed ‘oligarchs’ of blocking Starlink launch in India (Forbes)
SpaceX exec renews Starlink pitch as approvals pending (The Hindu)
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