Starlink Gets Final Approval to Launch Services in India

As per ET news reports, Starlink has finally received the green light from India’s space regulator to begin its commercial operations in the country. This marks the last major step needed before the company can start offering its satellite-based internet services to Indian users.

A Long Wait Since 2022

Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, has been waiting for over two years to receive all the necessary licenses to operate in India. Last month, it received a key license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Now, with approval from the space department, the company can move forward.

According to ET news reports, this final clearance now allows Starlink to begin the next phase of its setup process in India.

What Comes Next for Starlink?

Although regulatory approvals are now in place, Starlink must still:

• Secure spectrum from the government
• Set up ground infrastructure like satellite stations and terminals
• Conduct trials and testing to ensure it follows India’s security guidelines

This means that while commercial service is coming, it may still take some time before users can actually connect to the Starlink network.

Starlink Joins a Growing Satellite Internet Market

With this approval, Starlink becomes the third satellite internet provider to receive permission to operate in India. The other two are:

• OneWeb, backed by Bharti Airtel and Eutelsat
• Reliance Jio’s satellite arm, led by Mukesh Ambani

Interestingly, Starlink and Jio had previously disagreed over how spectrum should be allocated for satellite internet. Starlink supported a non-auction route, while Jio wanted an auction. In the end, the Indian government sided with Starlink’s view, deciding that the spectrum should be assigned directly, not auctioned.

Read more: Telecom Sector in India Expands by 3.24 Million Users in May, Led by Jio and Airtel.

Conclusion

Starlink’s entry into India is a big step for the country’s internet landscape, especially in rural and remote areas where broadband access is still limited. With Starlink now joining the competition, Indian users may soon have more affordable and faster internet options from space.

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