Starlink Awaits Final Approval to Launch in India
Elon Musk’s Starlink, a leading satellite internet provider, is on the verge of securing final regulatory approval to operate in India.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has issued a draft agreement to Starlink, marking the last procedural step before granting formal authorisation.
Once signed, Starlink will officially join the ranks of Eutelsat, OneWeb and Jio Satellite, all of which already hold permits to deliver satellite communication (SATCOM) services in the country.
Regulatory milestones and competitive landscape
Starlink recently obtained its Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence, positioning it as the third major player authorised to offer SATCOM services in India.
Industry analysts note that the development brings Starlink in line with its principal competitors, strengthening the competitive landscape for satellite connectivity in the region.
However, the commercial launch is not imminent. Starlink must first establish essential ground infrastructure, including satellite gateways and a control centre.
It must further demonstrate compliance with India’s stringent security protocols before commencing operations, a step that remains outstanding for both OneWeb and Jio Satellite. Both competitors were granted trial spectrum last year, with extensions allowing for continued testing as they work towards full compliance.
Security and compliance: A key focus
Security remains a central concern for Indian authorities. Agencies have previously expressed apprehension regarding the unregulated deployment of Starlink terminals, particularly in sensitive border regions.
In March, the Ministry of Home Affairs requested the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to investigate Starlink’s cooperation in sharing operational data.
Indian regulations stipulate that all SATCOM providers must route data traffic through domestic gateways, monitor transmissions and establish buffer zones along international borders. By design, the measures address national security and regulatory oversight as satellite connectivity expands nationwide.
Spectrum pricing and policy developments
While regulatory processes continue, the DoT is finalising pricing structures for the satellite spectrum.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended an administrative allocation model for a period of five years, with an annual fee set at 4% of the adjusted gross revenue (AGR). Additionally, providers may be required to pay US$5,99 per urban user each year, although rural users are expected to be exempt from the charge.
Such policy measures aim to strike a balance between the need for robust investment in satellite infrastructure and the imperative to extend affordable connectivity to underserved regions. The evolving regulatory framework seeks to foster a competitive and sustainable SATCOM market in India.
Government engagement and industry partnerships
Government engagement and industry partnerships
High-level engagement between the Indian government and leaders in satellite technology continues to shape the sector’s future. India’s Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently met with SpaceX officials to explore potential partnerships in the field of satellite technology.
These discussions signal the government’s commitment to leveraging global expertise to accelerate digital inclusion nationwide.
Industry observers view Starlink’s impending entry as a pivotal moment for India’s telecommunications landscape. Its advanced low-Earth orbit satellite network has the potential to dramatically improve internet access, particularly in remote and underserved areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
Looking ahead: A new era for Indian SATCOM
Once all approvals are secured and compliance requirements are met, Starlink aims to become a key player in India’s SATCOM sector.
Its entry seeks to accelerate the rollout of high-speed internet services, bridging the digital divide and supporting the government’s vision for a digitally empowered society.
As the regulatory landscape evolves and infrastructure is deployed, the Indian telecommunications sector stands on the cusp of a new era, one defined by expanded connectivity, heightened competition and broader access to digital services for millions.
Explore the latest edition of Mobile Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Tech & AI LIVE and Cloud & 5G LIVE. Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Sign up to receive the Mobile Magazine weekly newsletter.
Mobile Magazine is a BizClik brand
