In a huge setback for Elon Musk backed satellite internet services in India, they have been banned from accepting pre-bookings for their services by the Indian Govt.
Why did this happen?
And what next?
Keep reading to find out more..
Govt of India To Elon Musk: Don’t Take Pre-Bookings
Starlink Internet, the Elon Musk owned company that is about to roll out satellite internet in India and other countries has been sternly warned by Govt of India.
As per Govt, this company has no license to operate in India, and thus, there is no way they can take pre-bookings. They have been asked to comply with all regulatory norms in India, and stop taking pre-bookings.
This means that Elon Musk will need to immediately stop taking pre-bookings for Starlink’s satellite internet services.
Ministry of Communications said, without mincing words, “The Department of Telecommunications Ministry of Communications, Government of India has pointed out that Starlink Internet Services is not licensed to offer satellite-based internet services in India being advertised to the public… the government, (accordingly), has asked the company to comply with the Indian regulatory framework for rendering satellite-based communication services and refrain from booking/ rendering such services in India with immediate effect,”
5000+ Prebookings Already Done!
Starting February, 2021, Starlink had already started accepting pre bookings from Indian customers, and for that, they are charging Rs 7000 or $99.
Infact, more than 5000 Indians have already paid Rs 7000 to Starlink for getting their satellite based internet services.
Elon Musk and his company had earlier stated that their satellite based internet will be launching in India by 2022.
But since Starlink is not yet licensed provider of telecom services or Internet services, they are now banned from accepting pre-orders.
We had earlier questioned whether Elon Musk is breaking Indian laws by offering satellite internet services and accepting pre-bookings. As per some reports, Govt had already started investigations.
It will be interesting to observe how Elon Musk reacts to this development.
We will keep you updated, as more details come in.
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