Starlink Approved to Launch Satellite Internet Services in India
| 2025-07-10
India’s satellite communications sector is witnessing accelerated growth, driven by global players like Starlink and OneWeb entering the market and domestic demand rising across sectors.
India has authorised Starlink to operate satellite broadband, marking a milestone in expanding internet connectivity with Elon Musk’s low Earth orbit network.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, known as IN-SPACe, has issued a five-year authorisation allowing Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited to operate its low Earth orbit satellite network over Indian territory.
The approval represents a significant milestone for Starlink, which has been waiting since 2022 for regulatory permissions to enter one of the world’s largest internet markets. The licence is valid either for five years or until the Starlink Generation One constellation completes its operational life, whichever comes first.
Starlink’s Gen1 system includes 4,408 satellites positioned between 540 and 570 kilometres above Earth. According to the company, the constellation is engineered to deliver approximately 600 gigabits per second of data capacity over India. The technology is designed to provide reliable, high-speed connectivity to households, businesses, schools and emergency services, particularly in regions where traditional internet infrastructure remains limited.
Although the IN-SPACe approval grants the legal right to operate, Starlink must still secure additional clearances and licences. This includes obtaining spectrum allocation from the Indian government, establishing ground stations, and demonstrating compliance with national security standards through testing and trials.
A spokesperson for IN-SPACe said the authorisation underscores India’s commitment to fostering private sector participation in its space industry. “All operations will be subject to close monitoring to ensure adherence to regulatory and security requirements,” the spokesperson said.
The development follows a protracted policy debate over how India should distribute spectrum for satellite services. Starlink and Reliance Jio, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, publicly disagreed over whether spectrum should be auctioned or assigned administratively. India’s government ultimately supported Starlink’s position, favouring an assignment process rather than an auction.
Starlink is now the third company to receive final regulatory clearance for satellite broadband in India. Earlier approvals were granted to Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s satellite division. Industry analysts say the arrival of multiple providers could transform India’s connectivity landscape by increasing competition and driving down prices.
The authorisation aligns with the government’s broader Digital India initiative, which seeks to bridge the digital divide by expanding reliable internet access nationwide. Officials and industry experts believe satellite technology can play an essential role in connecting rural and underserved communities, where terrestrial networks remain patchy or non-existent.
Global Trend Toward LEO Constellations
India joins a growing list of countries adopting low Earth orbit satellite systems to improve connectivity. Starlink has already begun providing broadband services in Sri Lanka and several other nations.
Analysts note that satellite internet has emerged as a critical component of digital infrastructure worldwide, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters or where laying fibre-optic cables is impractical.
According to industry estimates, India’s satellite broadband market could grow rapidly as more consumers and businesses seek dependable, high-speed services. Starlink’s entry is expected to catalyse investment in ground infrastructure and related services.
In a related development, Reuters reported that Starlink had secured the licence earlier on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources. The final announcement confirms that the company has now crossed its last major regulatory hurdle before commercial launch.
Context
Starlink’s expansion into India reflects a broader trend of private companies playing a greater role in space and communications. The approval demonstrates India’s intention to liberalise its space sector while maintaining oversight of security and compliance standards.
The combination of public policy support and technological innovation could accelerate efforts to make affordable internet accessible to millions of Indians. As rollout begins, attention will turn to how effectively Starlink can deliver services at scale and whether competition among providers will improve affordability and choice for users.
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