Despite the Indian government's clarification on Starlink's licence and regulatory process, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has doubled down on his claims that his satellite internet company is being blocked from entering the Indian market.&nbsp;Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also responded to Musk's latest post on X, leading to a brief exchange between the two.<h3>What did Musk say?</h3>Musk, in a series of posts on X, alleged that "certain oligarchs" were blocking Starlink's entry into India despite the company's efforts to secure regulatory approvals.&nbsp;In his latest post, Musk questioned why Starlink was still waiting to begin commercial operations in India despite being licensed in more than 165 countries.&nbsp;"Starlink is licenced in over 165 countries and has spent five years complying with every single law and requirement of the government of India, so why still no license? Is Ambani the real boss of India?" Musk wrote on X.&nbsp;He made the post while sharing a claim that the Indian government was more interested in protecting "crony capitalists" than the interests of citizens.&nbsp;Musk had made a similar allegation on Wednesday night, writing, “Unfortunately, we are being blocked by certain oligarchs to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people. You can guess who they are …,”<h3>How did Rahul Gandhi respond?</h3>Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi responded to Musk's latest post on X.&nbsp;"Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you discover the other guy," Gandhi wrote.&nbsp;Musk replied within an hour, saying, "Thank you, Rahul. This is indeed troubling."<h3>India makes stance clear on Starlink licence</h3>Earlier in the day, the Indian government responded to the broader claims about the country's regulatory framework for satellite communication services without directly naming Musk.&nbsp;"A post is being circulated on social media regarding the fairness of India's regulatory framework for satellite communication services and suggesting that it is being applied in a discriminatory manner," the government said.&nbsp;It said India has a "fair and non-discriminatory authorisation framework" for all telecommunication services, including satellite communication.&nbsp;The government said licences have been granted to three companies providing satellite communication services based on non-geosynchronous satellite orbit technology.&nbsp;"Under the terms and conditions of license, every such licensee is required to demonstrate compliance with security conditions," the government said, adding that the process is aimed at ensuring the safety of users and their data.&nbsp;"Security assessment as part of this process is currently under way in respect of all the three licensees. As and when this process is completed for a licensed entity, it may proceed to the next step of seeking assignment of spectrum," it added.<h3>Where do things stand?</h3>Starlink already holds a licence to provide satellite communication services in India, but commercial operations have not yet started because the company still needs to complete remaining government requirements, including security-related approvals.&nbsp;Starlink has received Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) authorisation, while IN-SPACe authorised its first-generation constellation in 2025.&nbsp;However, spectrum assignment and security-related requirements are still pending. Starlink has also renewed its push for approval of a larger Gen 2 constellation, including direct-to-device capabilities.The three companies that have received licences are Musk's Starlink, Reliance Jio's satellite venture Jio Satcom and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb.&nbsp;None of the three companies can begin commercial services until the required security assessments and spectrum-related approvals are completed.

Elon Musk stepped up the ante over Starlink’s delayed entry into India, saying the company is licensed in 165 countries and has spent five years complying with Indian laws and government requirements, and got a response from Rahul Gandhi.

Despite the Indian government's clarification on Starlink's licence and regulatory process, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has doubled down on his claims that his satellite internet company is being blocked from entering the Indian market. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also responded to Musk's latest post on X, leading to a brief exchange between the two. What did Musk say? Musk, in a series of posts on X, alleged that "certain oligarchs" were blocking Starlink's entry into India despite the company's efforts to secure regulatory approvals. In his latest post, Musk questioned why Starlink was still waiting to begin commercial operations in India despite being licensed in more than 165 countries. "Starlink is licenced in over 165 countries and has spent five years complying with every single law and requirement of the government of India, so why still no license? Is Ambani the real boss of India?" Musk wrote on X. He made the post while sharing a claim that the Indian government was more interested in protecting "crony capitalists" than the interests of citizens. Musk had made a similar allegation on Wednesday night, writing, “Unfortunately, we are being blocked by certain oligarchs to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people. You can guess who they are …,” How did Rahul Gandhi respond? Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi responded to Musk's latest post on X. "Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you discover the other guy," Gandhi wrote. Musk replied within an hour, saying, "Thank you, Rahul. This is indeed troubling." India makes stance clear on Starlink licence Earlier in the day, the Indian government responded to the broader claims about the country's regulatory framework for satellite communication services without directly naming Musk. "A post is being circulated on social media regarding the fairness of India's regulatory framework for satellite communication services and suggesting that it is being applied in a discriminatory manner," the government said. It said India has a "fair and non-discriminatory authorisation framework" for all telecommunication services, including satellite communication. The government said licences have been granted to three companies providing satellite communication services based on non-geosynchronous satellite orbit technology. "Under the terms and conditions of license, every such licensee is required to demonstrate compliance with security conditions," the government said, adding that the process is aimed at ensuring the safety of users and their data. "Security assessment as part of this process is currently under way in respect of all the three licensees. As and when this process is completed for a licensed entity, it may proceed to the next step of seeking assignment of spectrum," it added. Where do things stand? Starlink already holds a licence to provide satellite communication services in India, but commercial operations have not yet started because the company still needs to complete remaining government requirements, including security-related approvals. Starlink has received Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) authorisation, while IN-SPACe authorised its first-generation constellation in 2025. However, spectrum assignment and security-related requirements are still pending. Starlink has also renewed its push for approval of a larger Gen 2 constellation, including direct-to-device capabilities. The three companies that have received licences are Musk's Starlink, Reliance Jio's satellite venture Jio Satcom and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb. None of the three companies can begin commercial services until the required security assessments and spectrum-related approvals are completed.

Elon Musk stepped up the ante over Starlink’s delayed entry into India, saying the company is licensed in 165 countries and has spent five years complying with Indian laws and government requirements, and gets a response from Rahul Gandhi.

Musk doubles down on Starlink India licence allegations; Rahul Gandhi says ‘wait till...’

Elon Musk's latest comments on Starlink's delayed entry into India have triggered a fresh debate over the country's satellite internet market, with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO accusing unnamed "oligarchs" of trying to protect their hold over India's connectivity sector. At the centre of the exchange was an X account known as DogeDesigner, whose post was amplified by Musk before he made the allegations. So, who is DogeDesigner and why does the account have such a close connection to Musk?<h2>Who is DogeDesigner?</h2>DogeDesigner is the X handle used by an account identified only as @cb_doge, who is a UX/UI and graphic designer for the DOGE team. The account is known to be associated with Dogecoin projects and frequently engages with Musk's posts.The account has developed a close association with Musk and has publicly shared posts expressing gratitude for opportunities to meet him and work around his companies and projects.In one post, DogeDesigner wrote about witnessing Starship's maiden launch and meeting Musk, whom the account referred to as "our Technoking"."I will be forever grateful for the confidence that Elon distills so kindly... 'You are talented!'... powerful words that I will always carry with me," the account said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">During the last couple of months, I’ve gained friends &amp; memories that I will cherish forever! From witnessing the Starship’s maiden launch to meeting our Technoking. I will be forever grateful for the confidence that Elon distills so kindly…”You are talented!”…powerful words that I will always carry with me. It really makes a big difference. Thank you, @elonmusk 🫡&mdash; DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) <a href="https://x.com/cb_doge/status/1666836242330275841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>How did DogeDesigner trigger the India-Starlink row?</h2>Musk's October 7 comments came in response to a post shared by DogeDesigner that cited government data on India's connectivity gap. The post claimed that 11,256 listed Indian villages still lacked 4G internet coverage as of May 2026. The supplied material notes that these figures had not been independently confirmed.Musk responded by alleging that Starlink was being blocked by unnamed "oligarchs" seeking to preserve what he called a "monopolistic chokehold" over India's people. "Unfortunately, we are being blocked by certain oligarchs to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people. You can guess who they are …," Musk wrote.Musk has previously argued that "Starlink would help the least served in India, especially in rural areas."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/musk-alleges-oligarchs-blocking-starlink-in-india-here-is-what-we-know-so-far-1791404796061">Musk alleges ‘oligarchs’ blocking Starlink in India, here is what we know so far</a><h2>Musk denies Starlink terminals were active in India</h2>The controversy also involved claims that Starlink terminals were being used near the Manipur-Myanmar border. Musk dismissed those claims, saying they were false and technologically impossible because Starlink's beams remain deactivated over India.Starlink is awaiting completion of India's regulatory and security requirements before commercial services can begin.<h2>What has India said about Starlink's regulatory approval?</h2>India's Ministry of Communications rejected suggestions that its satellite communications framework is discriminatory. According to a PIB statement, India has granted licences to three global mobile personal communications by satellite services using non-geosynchronous satellite orbits. All three licensees are required to meet security conditions before proceeding further.The government said security assessments for all three licensees are currently under way and that all three are broadly at the same regulatory stage. It described suggestions that India's regulatory framework was unfair or discriminatory as "baseless and misconceived".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baseless-and-misconceived-india-issues-statement-after-elon-musk-s-oligarchs-claim-over-starlink-delay-1791428405437">India responds to Elon Musk's 'oligarchs' claim over Starlink delay</a><h2>Starlink says it has built India-specific infrastructure</h2>Notably, at the India Mobile Congress 2026, Starlink Vice President for Business Operations Lauren Dreyer said the company had developed India-specific security controls and built 20 gateway sites in the country.Dreyer said Starlink had established controls at every layer to meet Indian security requirements and was keeping Indian users' data within India.

Elon Musk's India-Starlink row was sparked by a post from an X account DogeDesigner, which highlighted India's rural connectivity gap. But who is behind the mysterious account? All we know of its close association with Musk and its role in the latest ‘oligarchs’ controversy.

Elon Musk's latest comments on Starlink's delayed entry into India have triggered a fresh debate over the country's satellite internet market, with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO accusing unnamed "oligarchs" of trying to protect their hold over India's connectivity sector. At the centre of the exchange was an X account known as DogeDesigner, whose post was amplified by Musk before he made the allegations. So, who is DogeDesigner and why does the account have such a close connection to Musk? Who is DogeDesigner? DogeDesigner is the X handle used by an account identified only as @cb_doge, who is a UX/UI and graphic designer for the DOGE team. The account is known to be associated with Dogecoin projects and frequently engages with Musk's posts. The account has developed a close association with Musk and has publicly shared posts expressing gratitude for opportunities to meet him and work around his companies and projects. In one post, DogeDesigner wrote about witnessing Starship's maiden launch and meeting Musk, whom the account referred to as "our Technoking". "I will be forever grateful for the confidence that Elon distills so kindly... 'You are talented!'... powerful words that I will always carry with me," the account said.

Elon Musk's India-Starlink row was sparked by a post from an X account DogeDesigner, which highlighted India's rural connectivity gap. But who is behind the mysterious account? All we know of its close association with Musk and its role in the latest ‘oligarchs’ controversy.

Who is DogeDesigner? All we know about the X account that sparked India-Musk-Starlink ‘oligarchs’ controversy

US billionaire Elon Musk has “appreciated” an indication by the Indian government suggesting it will opt for the allocation route for satellite spectrum and avoid the traditional auction route. Speaking during an event in New Delhi, India’s Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had said, “If you do decide to auction it, then you will differ on the process from the rest of the world." The hint immediately earned Elon Musk’s praise, who is hoping to launch his Starlink services in India.

“Much appreciated! We will do our best to serve the people of India with Starlink,” Musk wrote on X.

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Much appreciated! We will do our best to serve the people of India with Starlink.
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Scindia’s comment came a day after Musk lashed out at a major Indian industrialist for seeking the auction route.

Earlier, news agency Reuters reported that Reliance, which owns Indian telecommunication giant Jio, had opposed the Indian telecom regulator’s consultation process which suggested that the satellite broadband spectrum should be allocated, not auctioned.

On the other hand, Bharti Airtel, another Indian telecom giant owned by Sunil Mittal, had backed the allocation route. Airtel has long supported the administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, saying it has always backed technologies that help connect remote parts of India.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwju_5nYmJKJAxUXsVYBHUzoCH0QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/autonews/musks-grand-robotaxi-vision-leaves-investors-craving-concrete-plans-767303" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/autonews/musks-grand-robotaxi-vision-leaves-investors-craving-concrete-plans-767303&amp;ved=2ahUKEwju_5nYmJKJAxUXsVYBHUzoCH0QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Musk's grand robotaxi vision leaves investors craving concrete plans</a>

Elon Musk views unresolved spectrum allocation issues in India as a major hurdle for Starlink. Musk-owned company believes that the spectrum, being a natural resource, should be shared by companies.

The satellite spectrum consists of radio frequencies used for satellite communications, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency, allocates these frequencies for various services. India is a member of the ITU and has signed its treaty.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwju_5nYmJKJAxUXsVYBHUzoCH0QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/elon-musk-says-spacex-to-launch-first-uncrewed-starships-to-mars-in-two-years-756866" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/elon-musk-says-spacex-to-launch-first-uncrewed-starships-to-mars-in-two-years-756866&amp;ved=2ahUKEwju_5nYmJKJAxUXsVYBHUzoCH0QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Elon Musk says SpaceX to launch first uncrewed Starships to Mars in two years</a>

Musk’s special focus on the Indian satellite market indicates the competition is intensifying for the lucrative sector, which is expected&nbsp;to grow at 36 per cent a year to reach $1.9 billion by 2030.

(With inputs from agencies)

US billionaire Elon Musk has “appreciated” an indication by the Indian government suggesting it will opt for the allocation route for satellite spectrum and avoid the traditional auction route.

US billionaire Elon Musk has “appreciated” an indication by the Indian government suggesting it will opt for the allocation route for satellite spectrum and avoid the traditional auction route. Speaking during an event in New Delhi, India’s Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had said, “If you do decide to auction it, then you will differ on the process from the rest of the world." The hint immediately earned Elon Musk’s praise, who is hoping to launch his Starlink services in India. “Much appreciated! We will do our best to serve the people of India with Starlink,” Musk wrote on X. Much appreciated! We will do our best to serve the people of India with Starlink. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 15, 2024 × Scindia’s comment came a day after Musk lashed out at a major Indian industrialist for seeking the auction route. Earlier, news agency Reuters reported that Reliance, which owns Indian telecommunication giant Jio, had opposed the Indian telecom regulator’s consultation process which suggested that the satellite broadband spectrum should be allocated, not auctioned. On the other hand, Bharti Airtel, another Indian telecom giant owned by Sunil Mittal, had backed the allocation route. Airtel has long supported the administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, saying it has always backed technologies that help connect remote parts of India. Also read: Musk's grand robotaxi vision leaves investors craving concrete plans Elon Musk views unresolved spectrum allocation issues in India as a major hurdle for Starlink. Musk-owned company believes that the spectrum, being a natural resource, should be shared by companies. The satellite spectrum consists of radio frequencies used for satellite communications, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency, allocates these frequencies for various services. India is a member of the ITU and has signed its treaty. Also read: Elon Musk says SpaceX to launch first uncrewed Starships to Mars in two years Musk’s special focus on the Indian satellite market indicates the competition is intensifying for the lucrative sector, which is expected to grow at 36 per cent a year to reach $1.9 billion by 2030. (With inputs from agencies)

Starlink to enter India soon? Musk happy as govt does away with spectrum auction

Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern. The response from Starlink has reportedly addressed these queries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-starlink-the-ambitious-global-internet-service-of-elon-musk-652569">Explained | What is Starlink, the ambitious global internet service of Elon Musk?</a>

Sources close to the matter cited by the Economic Times suggest that Starlink's response has set the stage for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to potentially issue a Letter of Intent (LoI) within the next few days, or at the latest, by the end of the current month. The LoI is seen as a crucial step towards formalising Starlink's entry into the Indian market.

<h2>What next?</h2>

As per industry insiders, cited by financial news publications, the Indian Department of Telecommunications is actively engaged in drafting a comprehensive note for the approval process.&nbsp;

This note is anticipated to be presented to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Communications, and Neeraj Mittal, the secretary of the telecommunications department, for their review and approval.

Upon receiving the green light from both Vaishnaw and Mittal, the Satellite Communications Wing (SCW) within the telecommunications department will grant the necessary permissions for&nbsp;SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, to commence operations within India.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Space wars: China's counter to Musk's Starlink

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Recent reports also suggest that the issuance of the Letter of Intent could materialise as early as Wednesday (Jan 24). But the final timeline will depend on the swift approval process by key decision-makers in India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

If Starlink successfully navigates through the final stages of regulatory approval, it will emerge as the third company to offer space-based broadband services in India.

This will also place&nbsp;Starlink in an exclusive league alongside Mukesh Ambani's Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelast OneWeb, backed by Bharti Global.

<h2>What is the bottom line?</h2>

The potential entry of Starlink into the Indian market not only expands the options for consumers but also underscores the growing role of satellite technology in meeting the surging demand for high-speed internet connectivity in the world's fifth-largest economy.

Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern.

Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern. The response from Starlink has reportedly addressed these queries. Also read | Explained | What is Starlink, the ambitious global internet service of Elon Musk? Sources close to the matter cited by the Economic Times suggest that Starlink's response has set the stage for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to potentially issue a Letter of Intent (LoI) within the next few days, or at the latest, by the end of the current month. The LoI is seen as a crucial step towards formalising Starlink's entry into the Indian market. What next? As per industry insiders, cited by financial news publications, the Indian Department of Telecommunications is actively engaged in drafting a comprehensive note for the approval process. This note is anticipated to be presented to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Communications, and Neeraj Mittal, the secretary of the telecommunications department, for their review and approval. Upon receiving the green light from both Vaishnaw and Mittal, the Satellite Communications Wing (SCW) within the telecommunications department will grant the necessary permissions for SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, to commence operations within India. Also watch | Gravitas | Space wars: China's counter to Musk's Starlink × Recent reports also suggest that the issuance of the Letter of Intent could materialise as early as Wednesday (Jan 24). But the final timeline will depend on the swift approval process by key decision-makers in India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. What does it mean? If Starlink successfully navigates through the final stages of regulatory approval, it will emerge as the third company to offer space-based broadband services in India. This will also place Starlink in an exclusive league alongside Mukesh Ambani's Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelast OneWeb, backed by Bharti Global. What is the bottom line? The potential entry of Starlink into the Indian market not only expands the options for consumers but also underscores the growing role of satellite technology in meeting the surging demand for high-speed internet connectivity in the world's fifth-largest economy.

Elon Musk's Starlink knocks on India's door, likely to get approval by Jan 24

NASA has raised concerns over Musk's SpaceX plan to deploy thousands of satellites for its Starlink programme.

SpaceX had recently launched Starlink satellites for the first global orbital launch as it lifted 49 Starlink v1.5 satellites.

Musk's space company had received authorisation for 12,000 satellites to offer internet broadband services, however, NASA said it raised "potential for a significant increase in the frequency of conjunction events and possible impacts to NASA’s science and human spaceflight missions."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/80-of-starlink-satellites-launched-by-spacex-to-be-destroyed-by-geomagnetic-storm-451722">Also Read:&nbsp;80% of Starlink satellites launched by SpaceX to be destroyed by geomagnetic storm</a>

Starlink is a division of SpaceX owned and operated by Musk and it works privately independent of US military and civilian use. However, it works closely with NASA to engage its projects in space.&nbsp;

SpaceX intends to deploy nearly 30,000 satellites for its Starlink internet broadband link for worldwide access. The space agency had informed on Wednesday that up to 40 Starlink satellites were knocked out due to a geomagnetic storm.&nbsp;

However, it said it posed little threat since it burned up in the atmosphere.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;What is Geomagnetic storm?

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The company said at least 40 satellites "will reenter or already have reentered the Earth's atmosphere". NASA however said that the SpaceX Gen2 project means it will now double the number of objects being tracked in orbit with a "five fold" increase in the number of objects below 600 km which is currently at 6,100.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/out-of-control-rocket-by-elon-musks-spacex-puts-indias-chandrayaan-in-danger-447837">Also Read:&nbsp;Out-of-control rocket by Elon Musk's SpaceX puts India's Chandrayaan in danger</a>

The US space agency asserted that a large number of satellites interferes with astronomical observations. Musk had recently tweeted that SpaceX has 1,469 active Starlink satellites and will be moving another 272 into the orbit soon while adding,"Laser links activate soon".

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1469 Starlink satellites active 
272 moving to operational orbits 
Laser links activate soon
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1482424984962101249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In fact, China had slammed the US after it said its space station was in a collision course with Starlink satellite in July last year and then again in October while adding that the incident "constituted dangers to the life or health of astronauts aboard the China Space Station".

(With inputs from Agencies)

NASA has raised concerns over Musk's SpaceX plan to deploy thousands of satellites for its Starlink programme. SpaceX had recently launched Starlink satellites for the first global orbital launch as it lifted 49 Starlink v1.

NASA has raised concerns over Musk's SpaceX plan to deploy thousands of satellites for its Starlink programme. SpaceX had recently launched Starlink satellites for the first global orbital launch as it lifted 49 Starlink v1.5 satellites. Musk's space company had received authorisation for 12,000 satellites to offer internet broadband services, however, NASA said it raised "potential for a significant increase in the frequency of conjunction events and possible impacts to NASA’s science and human spaceflight missions." Also Read: 80% of Starlink satellites launched by SpaceX to be destroyed by geomagnetic storm Starlink is a division of SpaceX owned and operated by Musk and it works privately independent of US military and civilian use. However, it works closely with NASA to engage its projects in space. SpaceX intends to deploy nearly 30,000 satellites for its Starlink internet broadband link for worldwide access. The space agency had informed on Wednesday that up to 40 Starlink satellites were knocked out due to a geomagnetic storm. However, it said it posed little threat since it burned up in the atmosphere. Watch: What is Geomagnetic storm? The company said at least 40 satellites "will reenter or already have reentered the Earth's atmosphere". NASA however said that the SpaceX Gen2 project means it will now double the number of objects being tracked in orbit with a "five fold" increase in the number of objects below 600 km which is currently at 6,100. Also Read: Out-of-control rocket by Elon Musk's SpaceX puts India's Chandrayaan in danger The US space agency asserted that a large number of satellites interferes with astronomical observations. Musk had recently tweeted that SpaceX has 1,469 active Starlink satellites and will be moving another 272 into the orbit soon while adding,"Laser links activate soon". 1469 Starlink satellites active 272 moving to operational orbits Laser links activate soon — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 15, 2022 × In fact, China had slammed the US after it said its space station was in a collision course with Starlink satellite in July last year and then again in October while adding that the incident "constituted dangers to the life or health of astronauts aboard the China Space Station". (With inputs from Agencies)

'Impact on spaceflight missions': SpaceX Starlink satellite under NASA lens

Following the Indian government’s warning, Starlink, the satellite internet division of Elon Musk-led SpaceX, has said that it will apply for a commercial licence early next year to provide broadband and other services.

“We hope to have applied for a commercial licence on or before 31st January 2022 (unless we hit some major roadblock),” Sanjay Bhargava, Starlink Country Director, India at SpaceX said in a LinkedIn post.

If the company can roll out its services by April, it aims to have 200,000 Starlink devices in India by December 2022, it said in a presentation posted by Bhargava. The company has previously said it expects 80 per cent of these devices to be in rural areas.

On November 27, the Indian government had issued a missive after the company started taking pre-bookings for satellite broadband services.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) had said that Starlink Internet Services is not licensed to offer satellite-based internet services in India, and advised the public to refrain from subscribing to its services.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-subscribe-elon-musk-backed-starlink-services-till-it-gets-licence-indian-government-tells-public-432309">Don’t subscribe Elon Musk-backed Starlink services till it gets licence, Indian government tells public</a>

DoT made it clear that the company should “get licence before offering Satellite-based services”.

While Starlink has already received over 5,000 pre-orders for its devices in India, it has not begun any services.

Starlink is one of a growing number of companies launching small satellites as part of a low-Earth orbit network to provide low-latency broadband internet services around the world, with a particular focus on remote areas that terrestrial internet infrastructure struggles to reach.

Its competitors include Amazon.com's Kuiper and OneWeb which is co-owned by the British government and India's Bharti Enterprises.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the Indian government’s warning, Starlink, the satellite internet division of Elon Musk-led SpaceX, has said that it will apply for a commercial licence early next year to provide broadband and other services.

Following the Indian government’s warning, Starlink, the satellite internet division of Elon Musk-led SpaceX, has said that it will apply for a commercial licence early next year to provide broadband and other services. “We hope to have applied for a commercial licence on or before 31st January 2022 (unless we hit some major roadblock),” Sanjay Bhargava, Starlink Country Director, India at SpaceX said in a LinkedIn post. If the company can roll out its services by April, it aims to have 200,000 Starlink devices in India by December 2022, it said in a presentation posted by Bhargava. The company has previously said it expects 80 per cent of these devices to be in rural areas. On November 27, the Indian government had issued a missive after the company started taking pre-bookings for satellite broadband services. The Department of Telecom (DoT) had said that Starlink Internet Services is not licensed to offer satellite-based internet services in India, and advised the public to refrain from subscribing to its services. Also read | Don’t subscribe Elon Musk-backed Starlink services till it gets licence, Indian government tells public DoT made it clear that the company should “get licence before offering Satellite-based services”. While Starlink has already received over 5,000 pre-orders for its devices in India, it has not begun any services. Starlink is one of a growing number of companies launching small satellites as part of a low-Earth orbit network to provide low-latency broadband internet services around the world, with a particular focus on remote areas that terrestrial internet infrastructure struggles to reach. Its competitors include Amazon.com's Kuiper and OneWeb which is co-owned by the British government and India's Bharti Enterprises. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk’s Starlink caves in to Indian govt’s warning, to apply for licence by Jan 2022

Elon Musk's Starlink on Tuesday announced it has&nbsp;registered its business in India as it opened a subsidiary in the country for its satellite internet division.

Sanjay Bhargava who is Starlink's country director in India said: "SpaceX now has a 100 per cent owned subsidiary in India. The name is SSCPL - Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited and the incorporation date is Nov 1, 2021."

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Bhargava announced that that SSCPL will now start applying for licenses to start its broadband services as it applies for regulatory approval. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The company intends to start its satellite-based broadband services next year and had reportedly begun taking orders earlier this year.

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Bhargava had said earlier that the company wants to initially focus on providing internet services in ten rural Lok Sabha constituencies.

Starlink uses satellites in low orbit to ensure high-speed&nbsp;data rate activities. The company claims the service is "ideally suited" in areas where connectivity is "unreliable or completely unavailable".

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Bhargava had earlier claimed that pre-orders from India had crossed 5,000 and that the company was interested in focussing on rural areas to provide broadband services.

The company reportedly plans to provide 200,000 devices by December next year majority of which will be in rural areas. In the first phase, the company proposes to link some schools in Delhi and nearby rural areas and then target other rural districts in the country.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
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Elon Musk's Starlink on Tuesday announced it has registered its business in India as it opened a subsidiary in the country for its satellite internet division. Sanjay Bhargava who is Starlink's country director in India said: "SpaceX now has a 100 per cent owned subsidiary in India.

Elon Musk's Starlink on Tuesday announced it has registered its business in India as it opened a subsidiary in the country for its satellite internet division. Sanjay Bhargava who is Starlink's country director in India said: "SpaceX now has a 100 per cent owned subsidiary in India. The name is SSCPL - Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited and the incorporation date is Nov 1, 2021." Also Read: Tesla CEO Elon Musk wealthier than entire Pakistan’s GDP Bhargava announced that that SSCPL will now start applying for licenses to start its broadband services as it applies for regulatory approval. The company intends to start its satellite-based broadband services next year and had reportedly begun taking orders earlier this year. Also Read| I'll donate $6 billion if the UN can prove how it will solve world hunger: Musk Bhargava had said earlier that the company wants to initially focus on providing internet services in ten rural Lok Sabha constituencies. Starlink uses satellites in low orbit to ensure high-speed data rate activities. The company claims the service is "ideally suited" in areas where connectivity is "unreliable or completely unavailable". Also Read | Musk could become trillionaire with SpaceX, says Morgan Stanley analyst Bhargava had earlier claimed that pre-orders from India had crossed 5,000 and that the company was interested in focussing on rural areas to provide broadband services. The company reportedly plans to provide 200,000 devices by December next year majority of which will be in rural areas. In the first phase, the company proposes to link some schools in Delhi and nearby rural areas and then target other rural districts in the country. (With inputs from Agencies)

Elon Musk's Starlink registers business in India, targets satellite internet access