Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Friday that three companies have received satellite communication (satcom) licences in India and can begin operations once they fulfil individual security requirements and the government finalises the spectrum pricing mechanism.
Scindia's statement comes amid a controversy surrounding satellite internet services in India, following an exchange on X between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Elon Musk over the rollout of satcom services in the country.
“There are three parties that have got a licence. As and when the government decides the charge system on a revenue basis, that spectrum will be assigned to them, and as and when they individually fulfil the security conditions, then they can start operations,” Scindia said.
The minister emphasised that India does not permit monopolies in any sector and that the government would ensure consumers have a choice of services in a competitive market.
“A lot of conversation is happening about one specific company, but three companies have got satcom licences,” Scindia said, adding that the government's responsibility was to provide consumers with multiple service options.
TRAI AND TELECOM DEPARTMENT NEAR FINAL DECISION ON SPECTRUM CHARGES
Scindia said the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) were close to finalising the pricing framework for satellite communication spectrum.
The three licensed companies will receive spectrum allocations once the government settles on a revenue-based charging mechanism. However, securing a licence alone does not authorise them to begin commercial operations, as each company must also satisfy the applicable security requirements.
The minister's remarks offer clarification on the government's position amid questions about when satellite internet services will become available in India.
SCINDIA CRITICISES CONGRESS OVER MUSK CONTROVERSY
Scindia also took aim at the Congress over its position on the satcom issue. He alleged that the party had previously objected to a particular individual receiving a licence but was now questioning the delay in allowing that individual to proceed.
“I don't think they themselves know whether they are going left or right,” Scindia said, referring to the Congress.
He argued that the party had initially expressed reservations about a particular person obtaining a licence but was now joining that individual in questioning the delay in spectrum allocation.
“We are very clear on our stand,” Scindia said, reiterating that all three licence holders would be able to move forward once the spectrum pricing mechanism was finalised and each company fulfilled the required security conditions.
