As Starlink seeks permission to operate in India, a recent protest in New Delhi showed how quickly authorities can cut off mobile internet access.
The episode highlights the regulatory hurdles facing satellite internet providers in the country, where government control over connectivity remains firm. Officials have the power to suspend mobile networks during periods of unrest, a tool that can affect millions of users within hours.
The Starlink venture, backed by Elon Musk, has been waiting for approval to begin service in India. Musk has publicly blamed a rival tycoon for stalling the process, though the exact nature of the dispute has drawn scrutiny from observers following the telecom sector closely.
For Indian consumers, particularly in rural and remote areas with limited terrestrial coverage, satellite internet could offer a meaningful alternative. Whether regulators will grant the license, and on what terms, remains an open question as the company continues to press its case.
Source: New York Times Business · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing