NEW DELHI: The government said that India’s regulatory framework for satellite communication services is “fair and non-discriminatory”, rejecting suggestions that the rules or their implementation favour any particular company.

The clarification from the Ministry of Communications came after SpaceX CEO Elon Musk alleged that Starlink was being blocked by “certain oligarchs” seeking to maintain a “monopolistic chokehold” over Indian consumers.

The government said telecom licences have been granted to three Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) service providers using non-geosynchronous satellite orbit-based systems. All licensees are required to comply with specified security conditions before moving ahead in the regulatory process.

According to the ministry, security assessments are currently underway for all three licensees. Once the assessment is completed for a particular operator, it can proceed to seek spectrum assignment.

The government further said all three entities are currently at broadly the same stage of the regulatory process. It termed the suggestion that India’s framework or its application is unfair or discriminatory as “baseless and misconceived”.

The statement comes as Starlink continues preparations to launch commercial satellite internet services in India. Starlink has already received a licence, but still needs to complete the required security process and obtain spectrum assignment before beginning commercial operations.