Starlink Gets Green Light to Operate in India: A Game-Changer for Satellite Broadband

Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite broadband service, has received approval to operate in India after a two-year wait. Joining competitors like Airtel-backed OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications, Starlink aims to transform the satellite broadband market. Despite challenges over spectrum pricing, regulatory hurdles, and tightened security norms, the company secured its license by committing to compliance. With over 7,600 low-earth orbit satellites, Starlink plans to expand internet access in underserved regions, intensifying competition and driving innovation in India’s satcom sector.

After more than two years of waiting, Starlink, the satellite broadband service backed by Elon Musk, has finally received the license to operate in India. With this approval, Starlink, which already serves over 125 countries via its extensive network of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, joins the growing satellite communications (satcom) market in India. The development comes amidst ongoing industry debates over spectrum pricing and allocation methods, signaling a new era of competition in the satellite broadband sector.

A Competitive Landscape Heats Up

Starlink's arrival in India places it in direct competition with other key players in the satcom industry, such as Airtel-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications Ltd., led by Mukesh Ambani. The company can now begin marketing its services and accepting registrations for subscriptions in India. Market analysts predict this move will intensify competition in the satellite broadband space, potentially accelerating growth and innovation.

Interestingly, earlier this year, rivals Airtel and Jio entered a surprising partnership with Musk’s SpaceX. Under this arrangement, they agreed to distribute Starlink’s equipment and services through their retail channels, even as disagreements over spectrum allocation policies persisted.

Spectrum Allocation Sparks Industry Debate

The crux of the contention lies in how spectrum is allocated to satellite broadband providers. Traditional telecom operators like Airtel and Jio have opposed the recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), which suggested spectrum for satellite players should be allocated at a fixed price—4% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR)—rather than through auctions. Telecom operators argue that this creates an uneven playing field. However, both the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Trai have dismissed these objections, supporting the administered allocation model.

Regulatory Hurdles and Security Concerns

Starlink's journey to securing a license has not been without challenges. The company had applied for a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license in November 2022, but the application faced delays due to compliance issues. Regulatory authorities, including the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), flagged the company for failing to meet ownership disclosure norms. Starlink also clashed with the government over rules requiring licensees to provide call data records to security agencies and suspend services during crises.

In May, the DoT introduced stricter security measures for satcom providers, including localizing lawful interception facilities, obtaining individual security clearances for each satellite gateway, and mandating services in specific areas during emergencies. Initially, these tightened regulations dampened hopes for Starlink's approval. However, the company committed to meeting the new requirements, leading to the issuance of a Letter of Intent (LoI) and, subsequently, its official license.

Expanding Starlink's Global Footprint

Starlink’s license in India follows its recent expansion into several countries in South Asia and Africa. Earlier this year, Pakistan granted the company provisional registration, while Bangladesh authorized Starlink to operate within its borders. Bhutan became the first South Asian nation to establish connectivity with Starlink back in February. Beyond the subcontinent, Starlink has also launched services in developing regions like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reflecting its focus on underserved and low-income markets.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Starlink in India?

With the license secured, Starlink can now apply for trial spectrum to test its technology and is expected to receive approval within 15–20 days of application. However, questions remain over whether the company has received final clearance from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). Meanwhile, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, another major satcom contender, is still awaiting regulatory approval to enter the Indian market.

As the world's largest space-based communications network, Starlink operates a constellation of over 7,600 LEO satellites under the management of SpaceX. Its entry into India is expected to not only boost competition but also improve internet accessibility in remote and underserved regions. The company's ability to navigate India’s regulatory landscape and meet security conditions will be critical as it begins operations in one of the world’s most promising broadband markets.

Starlink’s successful foray into India underscores the growing importance of satellite broadband in connecting the unconnected. With the satcom sector poised for rapid growth, the stage is set for a fierce battle among industry giants, paving the way for innovations that could redefine global connectivity.