New Delhi, 09 October (H.S.):

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Friday that India does not permit monopolies in any sector, adding that three companies had been granted licences to provide satellite communication services in the country. These companies can commence operations after fulfilling the prescribed security requirements and meeting the stipulated standards. His remarks come amid an ongoing controversy surrounding satellite internet services offered by US entrepreneur Elon Musk’s company, Starlink.

Scindia said the government’s objective was to ensure that consumers had access to a range of technological solutions and services. In a competitive and open market, customers would be free to choose the service provider that best suited their needs.

Speaking at the India Mobile Congress, the Union Minister said the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) did not favour any particular technology over others. He emphasised that the department’s responsibility was to provide consumers with a variety of service options.

Scindia further clarified that companies seeking to launch their services in India must comply with all prescribed security standards and regulatory procedures. Only after meeting these requirements would they be permitted to commence operations in the country.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar