Space & Satellites
Starlink Clears Final Hurdle for India Satellite Internet Launch
SpaceX’s Starlink secures IN-SPACe approval to deploy 4,408 satellites in India, partnering with Airtel/Jio for rural broadband expansion.
Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, has secured final regulatory approval from India‘s space regulator, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), clearing the last major hurdle to launch commercial operations in India. This milestone, achieved on July 9, 2025, concludes a three-year regulatory journey that began in 2022 and positions Starlink as the third satellite internet provider approved in India, joining Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio.
The authorization, valid for five years or until the operational life of Starlink’s Gen1 constellation ends, permits the deployment of 4,408 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites over India. Before commencing services, Starlink must now secure spectrum allocation from the Indian government, establish ground infrastructure (including at least three gateway stations), and demonstrate compliance with security protocols through testing.
The approval follows intense policy debates over spectrum allocation methods, with the Indian government ultimately supporting Starlink’s position for administrative assignment rather than auctions, a stance opposed by Reliance Jio. This development signals a transformative shift in India’s digital connectivity landscape, particularly for rural and remote regions where terrestrial broadband remains inaccessible.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, represents a cornerstone of global satellite internet infrastructure, with over 7,600 satellites currently in orbit and more than 6 million subscribers across over 140 countries. Founded in 2019, Starlink’s mission centers on delivering high-speed, low-latency internet via LEO satellites, targeting connectivity gaps in underserved regions.
The service gained momentum through beta testing in 2020, achieving speeds exceeding 150 Mbps and expanding rapidly despite challenges like signal interference with astronomical observations and satellite debris management. SpaceX’s vertically integrated model, combining satellite manufacturing, rocket launches, and user terminal production, enabled aggressive deployment, with 60 satellites launched per mission using reusable Falcon 9 rockets.
By 2023, Starlink reached profitability and was projected to generate $11.8 billion in revenue for 2025, driven by its dominance in the global satellite internet market which is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Starlink’s entry into India faced protracted regulatory scrutiny. The company applied for licenses in 2022 but encountered delays due to security reviews and policy disputes. A pivotal conflict emerged over spectrum allocation: Reliance Jio advocated for auctions to ensure competitive fairness, while Starlink argued administrative assignment was standard global practice for satellite spectrum.
The Indian government’s Telecommunications Act of 2023 sided with Starlink, permitting administrative allocation, a decision that accelerated the approval process. In June 2025, Starlink obtained a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), followed by IN-SPACe’s authorization in July. This phased approval reflects India’s cautious approach to space-based services, balancing innovation with national security. Notably, IN-SPACe, established in 2020 to promote private space ventures, has now authorized three satellite operators, signaling India’s commitment to bridging its digital divide through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
IN-SPACe’s authorization mandates strict technical parameters for Starlink’s Gen1 constellation. The satellites, orbiting at altitudes between 540–570 km, will use designated frequency bands for both gateway and user beams. These include uplinks in the 27.5–30 GHz range and downlinks in the 17.8–19.3 GHz range for gateways, and 14.0–14.5 GHz (uplink) and 10.7–12.7 GHz (downlink) for user access.
Starlink is required to deploy multiple ground stations across India to interface with the satellite network. The process, including setup and security trials, is expected to take between three to six months. These trials will be overseen by the Department of Telecommunications to ensure compliance with India’s cybersecurity and data localization policies.
The Gen1 constellation offers an estimated 600 Gbps throughput over India, with future iterations (such as V3 satellites) promising significantly higher capacities. User hardware will include phased-array antennas priced at approximately ₹33,000, with monthly subscription fees ranging between ₹3,000 and ₹4,200, which aligns with Starlink’s pricing in other emerging markets.
“Starlink’s approval aligns with our ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund, which prioritizes rural connectivity and emergency response applications.” — IN-SPACe Official
India’s satellite internet market is poised for disruption. Over half of rural households still lack broadband access, creating a significant opportunity for satellite-based connectivity. Starlink enters a competitive landscape that includes established players like Reliance Jio and OneWeb (Eutelsat).
Reliance Jio leverages its existing telecom infrastructure to focus on enterprise and government contracts, while OneWeb targets mobility solutions, including maritime and aviation sectors. Starlink, in contrast, is positioning itself as a consumer-first provider, with early partnerships suggesting a focus on VSAT and rural broadband services.
Strategic alliances with both Bharti Airtel and Jio will help Starlink scale rapidly. Airtel is expected to handle retail distribution and enterprise solutions, while Jio may integrate Starlink services into its JioSpaceFiber ecosystem. This cooperative competition model reflects the high capital requirements of satellite infrastructure and the need for shared resources.
Starlink’s authorization supports India’s broader goal of achieving 100% mobile and internet coverage. The service is expected to have significant socio-economic impacts, enabling applications in agriculture, education, and healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved regions. However, affordability remains a critical concern. The upfront and monthly costs of Starlink are significantly higher than terrestrial broadband options, which may limit adoption unless government subsidies or universal service obligations are introduced. Programs under the “Digital India” initiative could potentially bridge this affordability gap.
Moreover, the approval sets important regulatory precedents for future LEO operators. It underscores India’s emphasis on data sovereignty, cybersecurity, and sustainable space practices, which will shape the country’s space policy in the years ahead.
Experts have weighed in on both the opportunities and challenges presented by Starlink’s entry into India. Hugh Lewis, Professor of Astronautics at the University of Southampton, emphasized the need for robust space traffic management as LEO constellations grow in number. Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center, noted the importance of debris mitigation given SpaceX’s aggressive satellite deployment schedule.
These concerns highlight the broader implications of satellite internet beyond connectivity, touching on sustainability, international coordination, and long-term orbital safety.
Starlink’s regulatory approval marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward universal digital connectivity. The collaboration between global technology providers and local telecom companies offers a promising model for delivering high-speed internet to underserved communities.
While challenges remain, particularly around affordability and infrastructure deployment, the potential benefits for education, healthcare, and economic development are substantial. As Starlink begins operations, its success may serve as a blueprint for other emerging economies exploring satellite internet solutions.
What is Starlink? When will Starlink start operations in India? How much does Starlink cost in India? Will Starlink be available in rural areas? Is Starlink working with Indian companies?
Starlink’s Entry into India: Regulatory Approval and Market Implications
Historical Context of Starlink’s Expansion
Regulatory Journey in India
Technical Specifications and Operational Framework
Market Context and Competitive Dynamics
Strategic Implications for India’s Digital Economy
Expert Perspectives
Conclusion
FAQ
Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX that uses low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet globally.
Starlink has received final regulatory approval and is expected to begin operations after completing ground infrastructure and spectrum allocation steps, likely within 3–6 months.
The hardware kit is expected to cost around ₹33,000, with monthly subscriptions ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹4,200.
Yes, Starlink is targeting underserved and remote regions in India where traditional broadband access is limited.
Yes, Starlink has formed partnerships with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio to support distribution and integration of its services in India.
Sources
Photo Credit: