Starlink's Entry into India: Final Approvals Awaited

Starlink Service Set for Launch in India

New Delhi, July 3: Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced on Wednesday that all necessary preparations have been finalized for the introduction of SpaceX's Starlink service in India.

He mentioned that the service could be launched as soon as the required regulatory and licensing approvals are obtained from the space authority.

Scindia emphasized that the ministry has completed all necessary steps for the launch of this affordable satellite-based service, and now it is up to the Elon Musk-led company to secure the necessary permissions from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), which oversees space activities in India.

"The next move is with Starlink to initiate their services in India once they have those approvals," Scindia stated.

Starlink's satellite internet service is nearing its operational launch in India, with expectations to commence services within the next two months.

Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, has confirmed that most regulatory and licensing requirements for Starlink have been met.

Established in June 2020, IN-SPACe was created to facilitate the involvement of the Indian private sector in space activities, serving as a single-window, independent agency under the Department of Space (DOS).

The space regulator has already provided a draft letter of intent (LOI) to Starlink. Once this document is signed by both parties, the company will be officially authorized to launch its services in the Indian market.

Starlink delivers internet connectivity via a network of satellites orbiting the Earth and currently boasts the largest satellite constellation globally, with over 6,750 satellites in orbit.