India Says Satellite Communication Regulations Apply Equally to All Licensees

India's Ministry of Communications stated on Thursday that the country's licensing framework for satellite communication services treats all licensed enterprises fairly and without discrimination. This comes after Musk previously criticized India's 'oligarchs' for blocking Starlink deployment. The ministry said any claims that the framework or approval process is unfair or discriminatory are 'baseless and based on misunderstanding.' The ministry's statement indicates that three global satellite mobile personal communication service providers have received telecom licenses. All three licensees use non-geostationary orbit satellite technology, and each is at a similar stage of regulatory review. The ministry said all licensees must first demonstrate compliance with security requirements before receiving spectrum allocation; currently, security assessments for the three companies are underway.