Elon Musk's Starlink Set to Transform Internet Access in India

Starlink Gains Approval for Launch in India

New Delhi: In a significant development for affordable satellite internet in India, Elon Musk's Starlink has received the green light from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) as of Wednesday.

This approval marks the completion of the last regulatory requirement needed for Starlink to commence its commercial satellite broadband services in the nation, as indicated in the final authorization document from IN-SPACe.

To proceed, Starlink must secure spectrum from the government and set up the necessary ground infrastructure. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is expected to provide trial spectrum to the American space company to facilitate security compliance checks.

Starlink has already entered into its first commercial partnerships with VSAT providers in India. These Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) service providers specialize in delivering satellite-based internet and communication solutions, especially in areas lacking reliable terrestrial connectivity.

The rollout of Starlink's affordable satellite internet service is anticipated within the next few months.

While the foundational work is largely complete, a few technical and procedural tasks remain before the service can officially launch.

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia mentioned last week that all necessary due diligence has been finalized for SpaceX's Starlink to enter the Indian market. Once the required regulatory and licensing approvals are obtained from the space regulator, the service can be launched at their discretion.

Previously, the space regulator had issued a draft letter of intent (LOI) to the company.

Starlink operates by utilizing a network of satellites orbiting the Earth, boasting the largest satellite constellation globally with over 6,750 satellites in orbit. Its services are currently available in various countries, including Mongolia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Jordan, Yemen, Azerbaijan, and Sri Lanka.

In competition, Amazon's Project Kuiper is also seeking regulatory approvals from both the DoT and IN-SPACe, aiming for a large-scale satellite communication rollout in India.