CPM objects to Jio, Airtel's deal with Starlink citing security risks

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) Polit Bureau in Kerala has voiced strong objection to reports of a partnership between Indian telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel and Elon Musk's Starlink to provide high-speed satellite-based internet services in India.

In a post on X, the CPI(M) emphasised that spectrum is a rare national resource and cited the Supreme Court's verdict in the 2G case, which stated that it "can only be allocated to private players through an open, transparent auction.”

“Any private deal for allocating spectrum would be a violation of the law of the land. Airtel and Starlink coming together to form a cartel to dominate satellite spectrum use will be at the cost of millions of telecom subscribers in India,” said CPI(M), India Today reported.

The party put emphasis on the national security risks that may arise, beyond legal concerns. “Satellite spectrum should be allocated exclusively for strategic uses, such as defence and ISRO operations”, it said.

They warn that permitting private satellites to occupy critical orbital slots might lead to the mapping of India's natural resources and the collecting of commercially valuable data, such as weather patterns and crop statuses, jeopardising national security. The CPI(M) emphasised that Indian entities, such as ISRO, have the capacity to handle such duties internally.

“It is now known that the US threats to stop Starlink services to the Ukraine military forced Zelensky to concede US demands on handing over its natural resources and negotiating with Russia under US aegis,” the party said.

The CPI(M) argued that allowing a US business to dominate vital satellite airwaves and orbital slots could result in a space monopoly, jeopardising India's national sovereignty and security.

Airtel, Jio's Deal With Starlink

According to the agreement, Jio and Airtel would sell Starlink's equipment through their retail networks, while Jio would handle customer service, installation, and activation. The collaboration intends to increase high-speed internet connectivity in businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and remote areas.

Jio has also teamed with SpaceX to offer Starlink services through its retail outlets and online platforms when regulatory approval is obtained. Airtel has revealed plans to partner with SpaceX, perhaps selling Starlink hardware in its stores and delivering its services to businesses.

Opposition Slams Deal

“Is PM Modi secretly practising his *bend-and-snap* routine for Elon Musk and the US establishment? Is this the ultimate "Make in India" moment, or just "Sell to America" in disguise?” wrote Tamil Nadu’s Congress Committee on X.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, too, hit out at Prime Minister Modi, calling this move “orchestrated to buy goodwill with Trump through Starlink's owner, Elon Musk.

"Who will have the power to switch connectivity on or off when national security demands it? Will it be Starlink or its Indian partners? Will other satellite-based connectivity providers also be permitted and on what basis?” wrote Ramesh.