Elon Musk’s Starlink will be granted a license to operate if it meets the security-related requirements in India.
While speaking to news outlets, India’s Communication Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia made the announcement noting that India will be pleased to grant Starlink the license to operate in the country. He went on to note that the satellite internet service provider is in the process of acquiring the license.
India is in the process of acquiring an operating license in India
“We are more than happy to give them (license) if they (Starlink) comply with all the conditions. You have to look at it from a security perspective, making sure that all security concerns are addressed. When they do that, we will be more than happy to give it. Obviously, they are in the process of doing it,” Scindia told reporters.
Also Read: Elon Musk Responds to Starlink Suspension in Nairobi
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation service that was developed by Elon Musk’s aerospace company Space-X. Having been launched in 2015, it aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet service globally. As of 2024, it has launched over 5,000 satellites with plans to create a denser network worldwide.
Starlink possesses competition with local internet providers
Starlink launched officially in Kenya in July 20203, with priority coverage areas being Kenya and Mombasa. The internet service has since posed competition to local internet service providers due to its reliability and affordable rates.
Recently, Starlink has had to temporarily suspend new subscriptions in Nairobi due to an overwhelming demand that defeated the network capacity. The surge in demand was experienced in Nairobi and its environs including Kiambu and Kajiado counties.
Also Read: Elon Musk, Safaricom Rivalry Intensifies as Starlink Introduces Cheaper Kit After Ruto Declaration
In response to the suspension, Elon stated that Starlink is working to increase the internet capacity in densely populated areas. He noted that there is still a significant capacity in less congested areas.
“Starlink is working to increase Internet capacity in dense urban areas in Africa as fast as possible. Please note that there is still significant capacity outside of city centres,” said Musk in a post to his X platform handle.
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