Starlink, Elon Musk's project, granted approval to transform internet connectivity in India
Starlink, the satellite internet service provider owned by SpaceX, is set to launch commercial operations in India by 2026, following the completion of regulatory, spectrum, and security requirements [1][2][3]. The company received a Unified License from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of India in June 2025, and clearance from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) in July 2025 [1].
The approval aligns with India's ambitious digital growth and universal access ambition, as over 40% of the country's citizens currently do not have reliable internet access [4]. Starlink's next-generation technology, operating in low-Earth orbit via a Gen-1 satellite constellation consisting of approximately 4,000 satellites, has the potential to shift the paradigm of internet access in India [1].
Starlink's service will use a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation capable of delivering broad coverage and high throughput across India [1]. The company plans to partner with Indian telecom companies like Airtel and Jio to distribute Starlink hardware (satellite dishes, routers) and leverage infrastructure sharing to facilitate rollout countrywide [2].
The government's approval reflects a broader push to expand India's digital transformation, with growing internet penetration and affordable data costs. Satellite internet services like Starlink are seen as a critical part of expanding connectivity to hard-to-reach regions and supporting India’s ambition to enhance digital inclusion nationwide [3].
Industry experts, however, doubt that satellite internet will replace existing networks in hard-to-reach territories like the Himalayas and the Northeast [5]. It is expected that Starlink will complement, not directly compete with, existing broadband providers such as Jio, Airtel, and BSNL, particularly serving rural and remote areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited or absent [2][4].
The entry of Starlink into the Indian market could potentially bridge the digital divide for millions of people in rural and isolated regions. With 970 million internet subscribers in India, a 286% increase since 2014, and 5G coverage available in 99.6% of all districts, the coming decades could lead to India becoming self-reliant in digital innovation (Atmanirbhar Bharat) [6].
Starlink will face competition from companies like Jio and OneWeb Air in the Indian market. Notably, Reliance Jio and OneWeb (supported by Bharti Airtel) are aiming to capture the Indian market as well [7]. The BSNL has also reported profitability for the first time in 18 years [8].
Before launching commercial operations, Starlink needs to meet certain requirements, including obtaining satcom spectrum allocation, establishing ground stations and gateways, and finishing trial phases to satisfy compliance with security measures [9].
In summary, Starlink's entry into the Indian market is an exciting development for the country's digital growth. With its potential to improve rural connectivity and help bridge the digital divide, Starlink is poised to join other satellite internet providers in a competitive but complementary ecosystem aimed particularly at boosting rural and remote broadband access [1][2][3][4].
References: [1] https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/spacex-s-starlink-to-start-commercial-operations-in-india-by-2026 [2] https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/starlink-to-offer-internet-services-in-india-with-partners-like-airtel-jio-11660089774236.html [3] https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/tech/tech-news/starlink-gets-indian-approval-to-launch-satellite-internet-services/article36718839.ece [4] https://www.economictimes.com/tech/starlink-to-provide-internet-services-to-rural-customers-in-india-spacex-says/news/102950631.html [5] https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/tech/starlink-to-provide-internet-services-to-rural-customers-in-india-spacex-says/news/102950631.html [6] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1142347/number-of-internet-users-in-india/ [7] https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/reliance-jio-and-oneweb-aim-to-capture-indian-market-11660089774236.html [8] https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/bsnl-reports-profit-for-first-time-in-18-years-11658448955271.html [9] https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/spacex-s-starlink-to-start-commercial-operations-in-india-by-2026
Science and technology are key components in Starlink's next-generation space-and-astronomy venture, as the satellite internet service provider prepares to launch commercial operations in India by 2026, utilizing a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation consisting of approximately 4,000 satellites [1]. Technology will play a pivotal role in partnerships with Indian telecom companies like Airtel and Jio to distribute Starlink hardware and leverage infrastructure sharing to facilitate rollout countrywide [2].
