Elon Musk’s Starlink Granted LoI by DoT to Launch Satellite Internet Services in India

According to the news reports. Starlink, the satellite internet venture of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is set to enter the Indian market after receiving a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The development follows Starlink’s compliance with India’s rigorous national security protocols and represents a significant move toward expanding internet access across the country’s remote regions.

Regulatory Breakthrough Amid Security Concerns

Starlink’s approval comes after months of evaluation and coincides with a period of heightened national security, marked by India’s recent Operation Sindoor strikes. However, DoT officials clarified that the decision to approve Starlink was made independently of military developments. The LoI was issued after Starlink agreed to 29 security conditions, which include real-time tracking of user terminals, localisation of at least 20% of its ground infrastructure within a few years, legal interception facilities, and local data processing. Two contentious proposals, mandatory Indian majority ownership and a ban on terminal use near international borders, were ultimately dropped as they conflicted with existing telecom and FDI regulations.

Unlike competitors such as Eutelsat, OneWeb and Jio-SES, which are cleared only for fixed satellite services, Starlink has the potential to be the first to offer mobile satellite internet services in India under the GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite) licence. This would allow connectivity for users on the move, an advantage particularly valuable in emergency response operations and remote areas.

Affordability and Market Prospects in Focus

With regulatory clearance progressing, attention is shifting to pricing and consumer access. Reports suggest Starlink may offer monthly plans ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000, alongside a one-time terminal kit cost between ₹20,000 and ₹35,000. These figures are significantly higher than standard broadband rates in India, which typically average around ₹500 per month.

Union Minister of State for Telecom Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, however, tempered expectations, stating: “Whether they come or not… they will be very small players even if they come. It is 10 times more expensive than our traditional models.” He added that Starlink is more appropriate for indoor connectivity in difficult-to-reach areas rather than a substitute for existing broadband networks. Before launching services, Starlink must still secure approvals from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and receive spectrum allocation. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is currently working on pricing recommendations for administrative spectrum assignment. Meanwhile, Starlink has signed deals with Indian telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to explore bundled services and broaden its footprint.

Read More: Starlink’s India Entry: Why Are Jio and Airtel Teaming Up with SpaceX?

Conclusion

Starlink’s regulatory progress marks a significant milestone for satellite internet in India, especially in regions lacking conventional infrastructure. Although pricing may restrict mass adoption, the service has the potential to supplement the country’s digital expansion goals. Elon Musk is expected to visit India later this year, potentially to finalise partnerships and assess further investments.

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