NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — Starlink, the satellite internet service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is close to receiving its final regulatory approval to operate in India. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has issued a draft agreement to the company. Once signed, Starlink will be officially authorized to offer satellite communication services in the country.
This move puts Starlink on equal footing with rivals Eutelsat, OneWeb, and Jio Satellite, both of which already hold similar licenses. Last month, Starlink received its Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license. This makes it the third company cleared to provide commercial satellite internet services in India.
Even with this clearance, Starlink cannot begin commercial operations right away. Under Indian regulations, satcom companies must set up ground infrastructure before they can offer services. This includes building satellite gateways and control centers within India.
The company must also pass a security demonstration. Starlink needs approval from Indian security agencies before it can officially launch services for users. These steps are mandatory for all satellite communication providers.
OneWeb and Jio Satellite have faced similar delays. Both companies received their GMPCS licenses in 2021 and 2022, respectively. However, they are still waiting for security clearance. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) provided trial spectrum last year to support these demonstrations. That trial window has now been extended by another six months.
Starlink’s approval process has faced added scrutiny due to earlier concerns. Indian authorities flagged the use of Starlink terminals in sensitive border areas. Security agencies criticized the company for not sharing enough operational data.
In March, the Ministry of Home Affairs asked the DoT to investigate the issue. Indian law requires satcom providers to route all domestic traffic through Indian gateways. They must also create monitoring systems and build buffer zones along international borders.
These rules are in place to protect national security and ensure all transmissions are closely monitored. Despite the hurdles, India offers a large market for satellite internet. Millions of people in rural and remote areas still lack reliable internet access. Starlink aims to bridge that gap with low-Earth orbit satellite technology.
However, the pricing may be a challenge for many. Starlink kits are expected to cost around ₹33,000 (nearly $400). Monthly plans could range from ₹3,000 to ₹4,200 (about $35-50). These rates are similar to those Starlink offers in nearby countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan, where services began earlier this year.
Starlink has partnered with two major Indian telecom players — Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio — for distribution. These deals, signed in April, will help the company reach a broader customer base once operations begin.
Following the license approval, SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell visited India last week. She met with Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia to discuss future partnerships in satellite communications. Scindia described the meeting as productive. He posted on social media, saying they explored how satellite technology could support India’s growing digital economy. Shotwell called the license a “great start to the journey.”
Meanwhile, the Indian government is finalizing pricing rules for satellite spectrum. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended an administrative allocation system. Under this plan, operators will pay 4% of their adjusted gross revenue annually. There may also be a fee of ₹500 (about $6) per urban user each year, while rural users will be exempt.
This structure aims to encourage satellite companies to serve remote areas while ensuring fair spectrum use. Once fully approved, Starlink could transform internet access across India. The company’s satellite network promises fast, low-latency internet in areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
India’s vast geography and growing demand for connectivity make it a key market. If all regulatory and security requirements are met, Starlink may soon play a major role in powering the country’s digital future.
