New Delhi, October 8 (Daily Kiran) : In New Delhi, the wait continues for security clearance from the Home Ministry for the launch of satellite communication services in India. On Thursday, Union Minister of State for Communications, Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, stated that all companies in this sector are at a similar stage in the regulatory process.
During a media interaction at the India Mobile Congress 2026, Pemmasani mentioned that the Department of Telecommunications has already granted provisional licenses and spectrum approvals to satellite communication service providers. However, final approval to commence services will only be granted after the Home Ministry completes its security assessment.
“The matter is currently pending with the Home Ministry for security clearance. Once approval is obtained, they will be authorized to proceed. This is not related to any single company,” he explained.
This announcement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the entry of satellite broadband service providers in India. Pemmasani’s remarks coincided with the central government‘s rejection of a claim made by SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who alleged that India is implementing satellite communication regulations in a discriminatory manner.
The government clarified that it is adopting a fair and non-discriminatory licensing framework for all satellite communication companies interested in providing services in the country.
In a statement, the Ministry of Communications noted that three Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) service providers operating non-geostationary satellite networks have already been granted telecommunications licenses. The ministry emphasized that all license holders are subject to the same regulatory and security requirements.
The statement further highlighted the commitment to providing satellite communication services in India, stating that the three GMPCS service providers are being licensed to ensure that the services meet various standards related to user security and data protection. Security assessments for all three license holders are currently underway.
This clarification is particularly significant as several companies, including Starlink, await final approval to launch their commercial satellite broadband services in India. The government reiterated its commitment to treating all applicants equitably, with regulatory decisions being made in accordance with established procedures and national security requirements.
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