India sets security conditions for three satellite operators

India's Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on October 9 that three companies held satellite communication licences, but each must meet security requirements before starting services.

Scindia said discussion had focused on one company even though three operators were licensed. His remarks came amid Elon Musk's dispute with the Indian government over the timing of Starlink's commercial launch.

Musk had alleged that influential business figures were obstructing the company's entry into the market. The government rejected claims of discriminatory treatment and said security assessments were underway for all three licensed operators. Once that process was complete, they could proceed to the next stage of seeking spectrum assignment.

Musk said Starlink was licensed in more than 165 countries and had spent five years complying with Indian government requirements. Those statements represent the SpaceX chief's position in the dispute over the delayed launch.

Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said security clearance was pending with the Home Ministry and did not concern only one company.

Holding a licence therefore does not itself mean an operator can begin providing services. The report did not announce a commercial launch date for Starlink.