Why it is in the news
On 8 October 2026, the Ministry of Communications (through PIB) rejected as “baseless and misconceived” the charge that India’s satellite-communication rules are being applied unfairly. It said the authorisation framework is “fair and non-discriminatory”, that security assessments are under way for all three licensees, and that a licensee can seek spectrum assignment only after its assessment is complete.
The exam angle
Issue: How can India speed up satellite broadband for unconnected areas without giving up sovereign control over traffic, data and spectrum?