The rollout of satellite communication services in India is currently awaiting security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said on Thursday, indicating that all satellite communication companies are at a similar stage in the regulatory process.
Satcom security clearance becomes key hurdle for service rollout
Speaking on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress 2026 here, Pemmasani said the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has already issued licences and provisional spectrum-related approvals to satellite communication service providers. However, the final operational clearances are contingent upon security assessments being completed by the MHA.
“Now the issue is pending with MHA for security clearance. As soon as it is cleared, they will get it. It has nothing to do with one company,” the minister said, amid ongoing discussions surrounding the entry of satellite broadband providers into the Indian market.
Government rejects claims of discriminatory satcom rules
His remarks come hours after the Centre rejected claims by SpaceX founder Elon Musk that India was applying its satellite communications regulations in a discriminatory manner.
The government had clarified that a fair and non-discriminatory authorisation framework is being followed for all satellite communication operators seeking to offer services in the country.
In a statement, the Ministry of Communications said telecom licences have been granted to three Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) service providers operating non-geostationary satellite networks. The ministry stressed that all licensees are subject to the same regulatory and security compliance requirements.
“Under this, telecom licences have been granted to three Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite services based on non-geosynchronous satellite orbit-based satellite communications, as part of its commitment to enable provision of satellite communication services in India,” the official statement said.
“This is aimed at ensuring that services provided meet various security requirements to ensure the safety of all users and their data. Security assessment as part of this process is currently underway in respect of all the three licensees,” the statement further clarified.
Starlink and other satellite operators await final clearance
The clarification assumes significance as companies, including Starlink, continue to await final approvals to commence commercial satellite broadband operations in India.
The government has maintained that all applicants are being treated equally and that regulatory decisions are being guided by established procedures and national security considerations.
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