Government Halts Starlink Approvals Amid Iran War Concerns
The Indian government has put a hold on the approvals needed for Elon Musk’s Starlink to start its commercial operations. This decision comes amid worries about the use of Starlink’s satellite terminals during the ongoing conflict in Iran, sources say.
According to those familiar with the situation, security agencies have not granted the final clearances that Starlink requires to launch its services. There are reports suggesting that Starlink terminals were being utilized in the recent conflict in West Asia, even though the service isn’t licensed to operate in Iran. This development has raised concerns in New Delhi about the government’s ability to manage a US-based internet service provider during times of geopolitical tension.
Additionally, this pause has affected a proposal regarding satellite-spectrum pricing, which is necessary for any commercial launch, whether it involves Starlink or its Indian competitors. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has completed the necessary framework, but it has yet to be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
