India has rejected allegations by Elon Musk that his satellite internet service Starlink is being prevented from entering the country, saying its authorisation system for telecommunications and satellite communications is fair and non-discriminatory.
Musk had said that unidentified oligarchs were blocking the service in order to preserve what he described as a monopolistic chokehold. He did not name any individuals or companies in the allegation.
In a release responding to a social-media post being circulated about the fairness of India’s satellite communication regulatory framework, the Press Information Bureau described the allegations as “baseless and misconceived”. The communication did not directly address Musk by name.
The government said every licensee must show that it complies with security conditions intended to ensure services meet data-protection and other security requirements. It said the security assessment process is currently under way for all three licensees.
The Ministry of Communications said the licensees may seek spectrum assignment once they complete that process. It added that the three entities pursuing licences are at broadly the same stage under the regulatory framework.
Starlink is available in more than 150 countries worldwide and was recently approved by authorities in the UAE.
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