India allows no monopoly, satcom firms must meet security norms: Scindia

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday asserted that India does not allow monopoly in any sector, and said despite the buzz around one "particular" company, the fact is three players have received satcom licences and can start operations after individually meeting security requirements and milestones.

The comments assume significance amid raging controversy over satellite communications and allegations by trillionnaire Elon Musk that his Starlink's satcom services are being blocked by certain oligarchs who want to "maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people".

Scindia on Friday said India doesn't allow monopoly in any sector.

"Let me set the record straight.

For us, the Department of Telecommunications, we are technology agnostic...

Our job is to be able to provide the bouquet of services to every single customer.

It is for the customer to choose in a free market which service he or she prefers, and within that service bouquet, which company's service