Elon Musk said unnamed business figures were blocking Starlink's entry into the Indian market. Company representatives say the service is ready to launch once remaining approvals are secured.
In a post on X, Musk said “certain oligarchs” were blocking the launch to preserve a monopoly. He did not name any people or companies. His comments came as the India Mobile Congress opened in New Delhi, where Starlink vice president of business operations Lauren Dreyer said the service was preparing to launch after final approvals.
Dreyer said the company had built 20 gateway sites in India and developed country-specific security measures intended to keep Indian users' data inside the country. She said Starlink hoped to begin satellite broadband service as soon as authorities granted all approvals. These are company statements, and there is no independent confirmation of Musk's allegation that rivals are blocking the launch.
India's government has approved recommendations on satellite spectrum allocation, the Times of India and other Indian outlets reported. Providers are expected to receive spectrum for five years and pay a usage charge of 5% of adjusted gross revenue, with a possible reduction for remote areas. Commercial service also depends on meeting licensing and security requirements.