Starlink Receives Final Green Light for Satellite Internet Launch in India

Starlink has received the last regulatory approval needed to launch commercial satellite internet services in India after the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) granted a five-year license.

This milestone follows a two-year wait since Starlink first sought entry into the Indian market and positions the company as the third provider cleared to operate in the country, alongside Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio.

The new license allows Starlink to deploy and operate its Gen1 satellite system in low Earth orbit over Indian territory. The approval is valid until July 7, 2030, or until the operational life of the Gen1 constellation ends, whichever comes first.

Next Steps: Spectrum Allocation and Ground Infrastructure

With regulatory clearance secured, Starlink must now obtain spectrum from the Indian government, establish ground infrastructure, and demonstrate compliance with national security requirements through trials and testing.

The company plans to set up at least three gateway stations nationwide to support its satellite network and ensure robust coverage.

The Department of Telecommunications is expected to grant trial spectrum to facilitate security compliance demonstrations.

Starlink has already signed commercial agreements with VSAT providers, signaling its intention to begin serving enterprise and government clients even before consumer services launch.

Did you know?
Starlink's low-Earth orbit satellites reduce data travel time, resulting in low latency (25-60 ms). This makes it suitable for online gaming and video calls, unlike traditional satellite internet.

Policy Debate and Market Entry

Starlink’s approval comes after months of policy debate over spectrum allocation. Elon Musk’s company advocated for administrative assignment of satellite spectrum, while rivals like Reliance Jio pushed for auctions.

The Indian government ultimately sided with Starlink, citing the technical challenges of auctioning shared spectrum for satellite services.

This decision paves the way for Starlink to compete in India’s rapidly evolving satellite broadband sector, where it will join OneWeb and Jio as the only firms with full regulatory clearance to offer services.

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Competition and Partnerships in India’s Broadband Market

Starlink’s Gen1 constellation consists of 4,408 satellites operating at altitudes between 540 and 570 kilometers, capable of providing up to 600 Gbps throughput over India.

Analysts anticipate that the company will initially concentrate on rural and remote areas, where traditional broadband access is still scarce.

To accelerate rollout, Starlink has formed partnerships with major telecom players, including Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, who will help distribute Starlink hardware and services.

These collaborations set the stage for competition not only in rural areas but also in urban markets, where satellite broadband may appeal to affluent households seeking redundancy or higher speeds.

Outlook: Trials, Pricing, and the Path to Commercial Launch

Before Starlink can begin offering services to consumers, it must complete spectrum allocation, establish ground stations, and pass all required security and technical trials.

Reports suggest that Starlink equipment in India could be priced around ₹33,000, with monthly plans ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹4,200, aligning with rates in nearby markets.

The company’s entry is expected to accelerate digital inclusion, especially in underserved areas, and intensify competition in India’s broadband landscape as more players await regulatory clearance.