📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Dktue
Technology
Govt defends satcom licence process, says Starlink was last to meet security norms
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 07 Nov 2026, 06:57 AM
👁 13
The Indian government defended its satellite communications licensing procedure, noting that SpaceX’s Starlink was the final applicant to satisfy the required security checks.
New Delhi – The Ministry of Communications reiterated that the satellite communications (satcom) licensing framework was applied uniformly across all applicants, and that SpaceX’s Starlink was the last to submit its request and meet the stipulated security criteria. The statement, given to the press on Thursday, came after criticism that the licensing timeline favored certain operators.
According to the ministry, all firms seeking a satcom licence must undergo a detailed security vetting process that examines technology, data handling and compliance with national regulations. The process, which can span several months, is designed to safeguard India’s strategic communications infrastructure.
Starlink’s application, filed later than most domestic and foreign competitors, cleared the security review only after completing the required documentation and technical assessments. Officials said the sequence of approvals reflected procedural order rather than preferential treatment, and that the government remains committed to a transparent, merit‑based licensing regime.
According to the ministry, all firms seeking a satcom licence must undergo a detailed security vetting process that examines technology, data handling and compliance with national regulations. The process, which can span several months, is designed to safeguard India’s strategic communications infrastructure.
Starlink’s application, filed later than most domestic and foreign competitors, cleared the security review only after completing the required documentation and technical assessments. Officials said the sequence of approvals reflected procedural order rather than preferential treatment, and that the government remains committed to a transparent, merit‑based licensing regime.