Elon Musk’s Starlink has secured a key licence from India’s telecom ministry, according to sources cited by Reuters. This approval removes a major hurdle and brings the satellite internet provider closer to starting commercial operations in India.
Steps Toward India Launch
Starlink is the third company to secure a licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to offer satellite communication services in India. Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s satellite division received similar approvals earlier.
Since 2022, Starlink has been waiting for government clearance, with delays partly caused by concerns over national security. Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which also applied for a licence, is still awaiting approval.
Recent discussions over satellite spectrum allocation saw Starlink and Reliance Jio take opposing positions. The Indian government backed Starlink’s view that spectrum should be assigned rather than auctioned.
Partnerships with Indian Telecom Firms
Earlier this year, Starlink reached agreements with Airtel and Jio to explore offering satellite internet services in India, subject to regulatory approval.
Airtel plans to distribute Starlink equipment through its retail stores and serve business customers, focusing on connectivity in rural areas, schools, and healthcare centers. Jio aims to sell Starlink devices through its outlets and online platforms while providing installation support.
Both companies intend to combine Starlink’s satellite technology with their existing networks to improve internet access in remote and underserved regions.
Starlink Services and Compliance
The licence allows Starlink to provide satellite-based broadband, voice, and messaging services across India. The company has agreed to comply with local data storage and transfer regulations, which had previously delayed approval. This is Starlink’s second attempt to enter the Indian market, after being asked earlier to stop pre-bookings until all approvals were obtained.
A recent report noted that Starlink was close to approval after addressing data localisation concerns. An EY-ISpA report projects that India’s space economy could grow to $13 billion by 2025, highlighting the sector’s expanding potential.