Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Elon Musk says Starlink provides no internet in India. He dismissed claims that insurgents in Manipur used his company’s satellite tech to bypass government-mandated internet blackouts. The controversy ignited after security forces seized Starlink terminals from the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur.
Musk and the X account DogeDesigner stated that hardware does not equal connectivity. The beams remain disabled across the country. Still, reports persist. The Guardian cited local police and insurgent sources claiming the devices worked during shutdowns. They suspect units were smuggled from Myanmar where Starlink is active. The claims remain unverified.
Security fears extend to the sea. The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Starlink unit on a boat linked to drug smuggling near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. SpaceX executive Lauren Dreyer spoke at the India Mobile Congress about the company’s local progress. She noted they set up 20 local gateway sites and built security protocols to ensure user data stays domestic. Dreyer stated, "The company had established 20 local gateway sites and developed security measures specifically for the Indian market."
Musk faces a tough regulatory climb. He blames a domestic telecom monopoly for his stalled market entry. The Indian government denies these charges. Officials say they apply rules fairly to everyone. The Department of Telecommunications handed out initial licenses to Starlink, Reliance Jio, and Bharti Airtel. Full security clearance and operational permits remain pending. The standoff hinges on two facts. Do the seized units actually work, and can SpaceX clear the final government hurdles?
Comments