The government has pushed back against Elon Musk’s questions over delays in satellite communication licensing in India.

Officials clarified that regulatory evaluations remain non-discriminatory. All satellite communication applicants are being reviewed on equal footing.

Musk has raised the issue of spectrum clearances for Starlink, his satellite internet service. Starlink has been seeking approval to operate in India.

Satellite broadband is a growing market. Several companies are competing for a share of India’s vast unconnected population.

The government has said it wants a fair process. Telecom operators and satellite firms are watching how spectrum for satcom services will be allocated.

No timeline for a final decision has been announced. The outcome will shape competition in India’s space-based internet sector.

The decision will be watched by global satellite firms. India is one of the largest untapped markets for space-based internet.

Musk has pushed for administrative allocation of spectrum. Indian telecom operators have argued for auctions. The government has not yet settled the pricing question.