After Indian authorities seized two Starlink devices this month, CEO Elon Musk is finally speaking out.
The billionaire confirmed Tuesday that Starlink’s internet satellites always have been inactive over India. He was replying to an X post from the Indian army, which showed weapons and a Starlink device seized from rebel groups by Indian authorities.
It was the second incident where Starlink devices were found among militants or smugglers. In early December, a Starlink device was found among $4.2 billion worth of methamphetamines in a drug bust.
Indian police say smugglers and rebels are using the Starlink devices to navigate and avoid detection. The seizures likely won’t help Starlink’s bid to start broadband internet service in the country. Starlink needs approval from the Indian government, which requires the company to assure officials that it locally stores data and its signals are secure.
If Starlink can secure security clearance in India, the company must win spectrum, awarded administratively.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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