The Union government has said that Starlink, Elon Musk‘s broadband internet system, is not licenced to offer satellite-based internet services in India and recommended citizens not to pre-book the company’s services.

Starlink does not have the required licences to provide satellite-based services in the country, according to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which is part of the Union Ministry of Communications. “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 ministry said in a statement on Friday.

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According to the government, the company has begun pre-selling or booking of their satellite-based Starlink Internet Services in India, and it was clear from the company’s website that consumers in Indian territory could book Starlink’s internet services.

“For rendering satellite based services in India, requisite license(s) from Department of Telecommunications, Government of India are required. It is hereby informed to the public at large that the said company has not obtained any license/authorization for rendering satellite based internet services that are being booked on their website,” the ministry further said.

The government has also requested that Starlink keep from making their services available for booking in the country until the necessary licences have been acquired.

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“Accordingly, the Government has asked the company to comply with the Indian regulatory framework for rendering the satellite based communication services and refrain from booking/rendering the satellite internet services in India with immediate effect,” the ministry said. “Given the fact that Starlink is not a licensee, the public is advised not to subscribe to Starlink services being advertised,” it added.

According to a report by news agency PTI earlier this month, Starlink was intending to explore collaboration with telecom firms in the country to broaden their broadband services in the country.

The company intends to discuss with service providers after the NITI Aayog identified 12 Phase-1 aspiration districts, Sanjay Bhargava, Starlink Country Director India at SpaceX, told news agency ANI.

Currently, the company is offering its services in a limited number of areas across the country for $99, which is fully refundable. The company’s website also states that coverage will be available by 2022, with regulatory approval pending.