New Delhi: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has criticised the Congress over its position on satellite internet licensing, accusing the party of inconsistency following the exchange between Rahul Gandhi and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk over Starlink’s entry into the Indian market.
“I don’t think they themselves know whether they are going left or right,” Scindia said, questioning the Congress’s response to the government’s handling of satellite communication licences.
The minister said the opposition had initially objected to a particular company receiving a licence but was now questioning why the same company had not been allowed to begin commercial operations. He maintained that the government’s approach remained consistent and that the same regulatory framework applied to all three licensed satellite communication companies.
Scindia explained that commercial services could begin only after the required regulatory procedures were completed. Spectrum assignment would follow the government’s decision on the revenue-based charging mechanism, while individual companies would have to meet the prescribed security conditions before commencing operations.
The Ministry of Communications has stated that security assessments for all three licensees are underway. It has also maintained that India’s authorisation framework for telecommunications and satellite communication services is fair and non-discriminatory.
Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said the Department of Telecommunications had issued licences and provisional spectrum to satellite communication companies, while security clearance remained pending with the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said the next steps would follow once the required clearance was granted.
The political exchange began after Musk questioned the delay in Starlink’s commercial launch in India. He said the company had spent five years complying with Indian laws and government requirements and asked why it had still not received permission to begin operations.
Rahul Gandhi responded by welcoming Musk to India and adding, “Wait till you discover the other guy.” Musk thanked Gandhi for his response and described the situation as troubling.
Starlink’s entry into India has drawn attention as the country advances its satellite communication sector. However, licensing alone does not permit a company to begin commercial services. Security clearances, spectrum assignment and other applicable regulatory requirements must be completed.
The government has maintained that these conditions apply equally to all three licensed satellite communication companies, with their progress towards commercial operations dependent on fulfilling the prescribed requirements.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
