Starlink row: Scindia says India will let customers choose their satellite internet provider
Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Communications Minister, said on 9 October that Starlink, Reliance Jio and OneWeb can begin satellite communication services in India after meeting security requirements and other regulatory conditions. At the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in New Delhi, Scindia said the government will keep the technology neutral, and customers will be able to select services in a competitive market.
The minister said that India will not tolerate monopolies and has granted all eligible applicants permission to enter the satellite communication sector as satellite communication operators. Amazon’s Project Kuiper needs to obtain the necessary licences to operate in the country, he added. The government is also in the process of finalizing the framework of the revenue charges to be imposed on satellite communication operators.
Starlink, Jio and OneWeb await operational clearance
During the CEO roundtable on The Sovereign Inflection & The Future of Telecom, held at Yashobhoomi during IMC 2026, Scindia said that the government’s job was to give a predictable regulatory environment and not to favour any particular technology or service provider.
“Government is technology agnostic. Our job is to provide a bouquet of services. It is for customers to choose in a free market what they prefer,” Scindia said.
He said that a licence does not necessarily enable an operator to commence commercial operations. All companies will have to individually meet the required security measures and other key milestones before they can begin operations.
The minister’s comments come amid satellite internet operators’ plans to expand their footprint in India, where satellite internet could provide connectivity to remote and unserved areas.
Amazon Kuiper must complete licensing process
According to Scindia, three companies – Jio, OneWeb and Starlink – have currently got licences to operate satellite communication services in India. Another potential candidate is Kuiper, which needs to go through the proper procedure, he said.
Scindia added that the government would ensure a level playing field while establishing clear rules for the sector. While subject to individual requirements, the revenue charges framework is an important step preceding the implementation of licensed operators.
India focuses on telecom innovation and self-reliance
According to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Scindia also underscored the country’s strides in telecom coverage, affordability, inclusivity, and innovation in the last ten years during the IMC 2026 CEO roundtable. Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the DoT, and top industry officials also joined the discussions.
The telecom market is the second-largest in the world and the second-largest mobile phone manufacturing hub, Scindia said. He also pointed to the development of the domestic semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem as a step towards building an end-to-end technology supply chain.
The topic of discussion was about artificial intelligence, cloud computing, next-generation networks and indigenous technology development. Scindia highlighted the need for greater collaboration between the government and industry to create resilient digital infrastructure and India’s position as a key player in the global telecom market.
