Starlink's Pak, B'desh operations under scrutiny

Starlink is facing fresh regulatory hurdles in India, with the Union government asking the company for details of its upcoming operations in Pakistan and Bangladesh, according to sources close to the development.

- SUBHAYAN CHAKRABORTY

A subsidiary of Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, Starlink has been awaiting the government's approval for long to enter the India market with its satellite communication services, even as many other applicants have.

The SpaceX subsidiary has been awaiting govt approval to enter the India market received approvals. In a surprising development recently, Airtel and Reliance Jio — both satellite communications (satcom) licencees — announced distribution tieups with Starlink, signalling that the American major was getting ready for India.

"There are still certain security concerns. For a company to provide communication services in India, a large number of technical complications need to be met," a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) official said.

"The company has been asked to clarify its plans to operate in neighbouring countries, one of which is openly hostile to Indian interests," he explained.

Last month, the satcom operator received provisional registrations from Pakistan's space regulator, with Islamabad stating on record that it hoped Starlink would receive full clearance and begin operations by the end of 2025. On the other hand, the Bangladeshi telecom authorities earlier this week granted necessary licences for Starlink to operate.