India doesn't allow monopoly; satcom licencees can start only after security norms met: Scindia
Scindia said that three entities, Musk's Starlink, Reliance Jio's satellite venture Jio Satcom and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, have already secured licences.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia declared on Friday that India does not permit a monopoly in any sector, despite growing controversy surrounding satellite communications. He clarified that while three companies - Elon Musk's Starlink, Reliance Jio's satellite venture Jio Satcom, and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb - have received satellite licences, they must individually meet security requirements and milestones before commencing operations.
Scindia emphasized that the Department of Telecommunications is technology-agnostic, aiming to provide a range of services to every customer, allowing them to choose their preferred service and company within that service bouquet. He also stated that India's authorisation framework for telecom and satellite services is fair and non-discriminatory, dismissing allegations that Starlink's services are being blocked by domestic business interests.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
