Govt Directs Starlink To Obtain License Before Providing Satellite Internet Services In Country

The central government has asked Elon Musk’s Starlink Internet Services to adhere to India’s regulatory framework prior to offering its satellite-based internet services.

In fact, a statement from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) implied that public is advised against subscribing to Starlink’s services as it is not a holder of the requisite license currently.

“Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India has pointed out that ‘Starlink Internet Services’ is not licensed to offer satellite-based internet services in India being advertised to the public,” the official statement from the department read.

It added, “It is hereby informed to the public at large that the said company has not obtained any license/authorization for rendering satellite based internet services that are being booked on their website.”

Apparently, SpaceX has been accepting preorders for the beta version of its service for a completely refundable deposit worth Rs 7400.

Sanjay Bhargava, Starlink’s country director for India, had earlier revealed in a social media post that the company has obtained over 5000 pre-orders from India and that it is eager to work and roll out broadband services in rural areas,” the Tribune reports.