Starlink to Run Security and Technical Demonstrations in Mumbai on October 30-31

Elon Musk-led Starlink will carry out technical and security demonstration runs in Mumbai on October 30 and 31, according to the news reports. The exercise is part of the process to meet the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)requirements before the company begins satellite broadband services in India. 

The tests will be held before law enforcement agencies (LEAs) using the provisional spectrum allocated to the company.

Security and Technical Verification

The demonstrations are meant to show compliance with security and technical rules under the Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) authorisation. Officials will check Starlink’s systems for lawful interception, data monitoring, and network control. 

These are mandatory assessments before any company is allowed to start satellite-based communication services in the country.

Ground Stations and Network Plan

Starlink’s parent company, SpaceX, has already set up 3 ground stations in Mumbai, which will serve as the company’s India base. The firm has applied for approval to establish 2 more gateways in Chennai and Noida. 

It plans to expand this network to 9 or 10 gateways over time, with additional locations proposed in Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Lucknow. Officials are expected to conduct on-site inspections during the Mumbai runs.

Authorisation and Spectrum Details

In July 2025, Starlink received permission from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to operate its Gen-1 satellite constellation over India. The company holds a 20-year GMPCS licence that allows satellite-based data and voice services. It has also been permitted to import 100 user terminals for testing and has applied for 600 Gbps capacity to support coverage across India.

Government Rules and Conditions

The DoT recently introduced new security guidelines for satellite communication companies. These require all network and data routing systems to be located within India. Operators must use geo-fencing technology to prevent cross-border signal interference and achieve 20% indigenisation of ground infrastructure within five years of launch.

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Conclusion

Following the Mumbai demonstrations, Starlink will await further approval from the DoT before starting commercial satellite broadband operations in India.

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