In a major development for India’s satellite communications sector, Elon Musk-led Starlink has received a crucial telecom license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), bringing it a step closer to launching satellite-based internet services in the country. This approval positions Starlink as the third satcom player—after Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s JioSpaceFiber—to gain the necessary licensing to operate in the Indian market.
A Milestone in Starlink’s India Ambitions
According to a Reuters report, Starlink has secured a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite Services (GMPCS) license from the Indian telecom ministry. This approval allows the company to set up infrastructure and begin the groundwork to roll out satellite broadband services across India, especially in underserved and remote regions where terrestrial internet coverage is limited or non-existent.
This regulatory milestone follows the Letter of Intent (LoI) issued earlier by the DoT, which granted Starlink conditional approval to begin satellite operations in India. The company had previously paused accepting pre-orders in India due to lack of regulatory clarity but has now resumed its push to enter one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets.
Next Steps: IN-SPACe Approval and Spectrum Allocation
While the telecom license is a critical requirement, Starlink still needs two additional approvals before it can launch commercial services in India. These include:
- Clearance from IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) — the country’s space regulator responsible for coordinating private space activities.
- Spectrum allocation — to operate its satellite network efficiently and without interference.
The Indian government has been working on a comprehensive satcom policy, which is expected to streamline these approvals and promote healthy competition among global and domestic players in the sector.
Competitive Landscape: OneWeb and Jio Already in the Game
Starlink will compete directly with OneWeb, backed by Eutelsat and Bharti Enterprises, and JioSpaceFiber, Reliance Jio’s satellite internet division. Both companies have already received key licenses and are in advanced stages of launching their services.
While OneWeb has been focusing on enterprise and government connectivity, Jio is expected to tap into the vast consumer base across rural and semi-urban India. Starlink’s edge lies in its global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, which offers high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity with broad coverage.
Transforming Connectivity in India’s Remote Regions
With over 600,000 villages and a significant portion of the population still lacking access to reliable broadband, satellite internet is seen as a game changer for India’s Digital India ambitions. Starlink’s entry could accelerate internet penetration, improve digital inclusion, and support sectors like education, healthcare, and e-governance in remote areas.
With the telecom license in hand, Starlink is poised to redefine rural connectivity in India, bringing fast, satellite-powered internet to the last mile—further intensifying competition in the country’s emerging satcom space.
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