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Musk wrote on X that "Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India" and were "never on in the first place."
Elon Musk has shared over X formerly known as Twitter that Starlink satellite internet is inactive in India. This is his first comment since authorities seized two of the company's devices in recent weeks, one in an armed conflict zone and another in a drug smuggling bust. Starlink is seeking approval in India to provide satellite broadband services and the Musk-owned company is trying to address any potential security concerns as part of the process. He was responding to a post from the Indian Army about a search operation on Dec. 13 in Manipur state in India's northeast, where a communal conflict has raged since early last year.
The post included photos of seized weapons and a satellite dish and receiver with a Starlink logo.
SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has hit a roadblock in India, as Elon Musk revealed the service remains inactive in the country following the seizure of a second device by authorities. While specific details about the circumstances of these seizures remain unclear, they reflect the regulatory scrutiny that SpaceX has encountered in India. The recent seizure incidents indicate that Starlink’s compliance efforts may still face significant roadblocks, casting doubt on its ability to operate seamlessly in India anytime soon.
Previously, the Indian government had cautioned Starlink against accepting pre-orders or providing services without obtaining the required licenses. In 2021, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) instructed Starlink to refund pre-order amounts to Indian customers until it complied with licensing norms. Earlier this month, Indian police sent a legal demand to Starlink seeking purchase details of a device found when they caught smugglers at sea with $4.2 billion worth of methamphetamine, one of the biggest such Indian seizures.
Elon Musk has shared over X formerly known as Twitter that Starlink satellite internet is inactive in India. This is his first comment since authorities seized two of the company's devices in recent weeks, one in an armed conflict zone and another in a drug smuggling bust. Starlink is seeking approval in India to provide satellite broadband services and the Musk-owned company is trying to address any potential security concerns as part of the process. He was responding to a post from the Indian Army about a search operation on Dec. 13 in Manipur state in India's northeast, where a communal conflict has raged since early last year.
The post included photos of seized weapons and a satellite dish and receiver with a Starlink logo.
SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has hit a roadblock in India, as Elon Musk revealed the service remains inactive in the country following the seizure of a second device by authorities. While specific details about the circumstances of these seizures remain unclear, they reflect the regulatory scrutiny that SpaceX has encountered in India. The recent seizure incidents indicate that Starlink’s compliance efforts may still face significant roadblocks, casting doubt on its ability to operate seamlessly in India anytime soon.
Previously, the Indian government had cautioned Starlink against accepting pre-orders or providing services without obtaining the required licenses. In 2021, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) instructed Starlink to refund pre-order amounts to Indian customers until it complied with licensing norms. Earlier this month, Indian police sent a legal demand to Starlink seeking purchase details of a device found when they caught smugglers at sea with $4.2 billion worth of methamphetamine, one of the biggest such Indian seizures.
India represents a critical opportunity for satellite internet providers like Starlink. With its vast rural population and limited access to high-speed broadband in remote areas, the country presents a ripe market for satellite-based internet solutions. However, the Indian government has been cautious in regulating foreign satellite services, ensuring they comply with national laws and do not interfere with local telecommunications infrastructure.
Competitors such as OneWeb, backed by Bharti Airtel, and the government-supported BharatNet initiative further complicate the landscape for Starlink. These players are already making strides in India’s rural broadband market, leveraging established local networks and partnerships. For Starlink to successfully re-enter the Indian market, it will need to navigate the country's complex regulatory framework. Securing the necessary permissions, adhering to strict guidelines, and collaborating with local stakeholders will be crucial steps.
As Starlink works to resolve these hurdles, its eventual success could have transformative implications for India’s rural connectivity landscape, bringing high-speed internet to millions and advancing the country’s digital inclusion goals. For now, the eyes of the tech world remain on Musk and his team as they navigate this critical juncture.
Competitors such as OneWeb, backed by Bharti Airtel, and the government-supported BharatNet initiative further complicate the landscape for Starlink. These players are already making strides in India’s rural broadband market, leveraging established local networks and partnerships. For Starlink to successfully re-enter the Indian market, it will need to navigate the country's complex regulatory framework. Securing the necessary permissions, adhering to strict guidelines, and collaborating with local stakeholders will be crucial steps.
As Starlink works to resolve these hurdles, its eventual success could have transformative implications for India’s rural connectivity landscape, bringing high-speed internet to millions and advancing the country’s digital inclusion goals. For now, the eyes of the tech world remain on Musk and his team as they navigate this critical juncture.
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