Starlink, the satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk, has secured all necessary clearances to begin operations in India. After receiving an operator licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) earlier this year, Starlink obtained final authorisation from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). This approval allows Starlink to deploy its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, known as Starlink Gen1, to provide broadband services across India.
Regulatory Approvals and Authorisations
Starlink’s entry into the Indian market was delayed by three years due to regulatory processes. The DoT granted an operator licence in May 2025. Subsequently, IN-SPACe authorised the use of the Starlink Gen1 satellite constellation. This approval is valid for five years or until the end of the constellation’s operational life, whichever is earlier. The roll-out remains subject to further regulatory clearances and compliance with government norms.
Starlink Gen1 Satellite Constellation
The Gen1 constellation comprises 4,408 satellites orbiting at altitudes between 540 and 570 kilometres. It offers a peak throughput capacity of approximately 600 Gbps over India. Starlink operates the world’s largest satellite constellation globally, with around 7,000 satellites in orbit. The system aims to provide high-speed internet to areas where terrestrial broadband is limited or unavailable.
Market Dynamics and Partnerships
Starlink will compete with major Indian telecom companies such as Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. The company had disputes with Reliance Jio over spectrum allocation methods but the government favoured administrative allocation over auctions due to technical complexities of shared satellite spectrum. Starlink has entered into retail partnerships with Jio Platforms and Airtel to distribute its services to their customers, targeting urban and high-income users given the service’s premium pricing.
Satellite Communication Technology
Satellite communication services use satellites to relay data between users and the internet. Unlike terrestrial networks that depend on cables or fibre, satcom offers wider coverage and network resilience with minimal ground infrastructure. Although satellite internet can have higher latency than fibre or DSL, it is valuable for remote and underserved regions.
Indian Government Guidelines for Satcom
The DoT’s 2025 guidelines require satcom companies to establish local manufacturing and data localisation. They must incorporate India’s regional navigation system NavIC in user terminals by 2029. Operators are obliged to monitor data traffic to ensure no routing occurs outside Indian territory. They must also guarantee data security by preventing decryption outside India and implement service restrictions during hostilities. Data centres must be located within India, and DNS resolution should occur domestically. Separate security clearance is mandatory for voice and data services.
Strategic Importance of NavIC Integration
NavIC is India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, similar to the US GPS. Its mandatory use in satcom terminals enhances national security and reduces dependence on foreign systems. The government’s push for NavIC integration aligns with its broader aim of technological self-reliance and secure communication infrastructure.
Impact on India’s Digital Ecosystem
Starlink’s satellite internet services will expand broadband reach, especially in remote and rural areas. This could reduce the digital divide and support economic activities requiring reliable connectivity. The presence of satellite internet also introduces competition in the telecom sector, potentially driving innovation and improved services.
Challenges and Future Prospects
High costs and regulatory compliance remain challenges for Starlink and other satellite internet providers. The government’s phased manufacturing and localisation norms aim to boost domestic industry participation. The success of satellite internet in India will depend on affordability, infrastructure partnerships, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of satellite communication technology in bridging the digital divide in India and its impact on rural development.
- Analyse the strategic importance of indigenous satellite navigation systems like NavIC in national security and technological self-reliance.
- Examine the challenges and opportunities presented by private sector participation in India’s space and telecommunications sectors.
- Estimate the environmental and geopolitical implications of large Low Earth Orbit satellite constellations on global space governance and sustainability.
