New Delhi: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has granted a significant five-year authorization to Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited (SSCPL), New Delhi, to operate its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Starlink Gen1, in India. This landmark decision marks a pivotal step in India’s efforts to liberalize its satellite communication sector and enhance private participation in space-based services, bringing high-speed, affordable internet to remote and underserved regions of the country.
Starlink’s Authorization: A Game-Changer for India’s Connectivity
IN-SPACe, an autonomous body under the Department of Space (DoS), announced on July 9, 2025, that it has approved SSCPL to provide satellite communication services using the Starlink Gen1 constellation. This authorization, valid for five years or until the end of the operational life of the Gen1 constellation (whichever comes first), enables Starlink to deliver broadband internet services across India. The approval is a critical milestone for Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which operates the Starlink constellation, as it clears a major regulatory hurdle for commercial satellite broadband operations in the country.
The Starlink Gen1 constellation consists of 4,408 satellites orbiting Earth at altitudes between 540 and 570 kilometers, capable of providing a throughput of approximately 600 Gbps over India. This global satellite network is designed to deliver high-speed internet to even the most remote areas, offering a wireless connection independent of terrestrial infrastructure. The roll-out of Starlink’s services, however, is subject to further regulatory approvals, including spectrum allocation from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and compliance with security and licensing requirements from relevant government departments.
Satellite Communication Services: Bridging the Digital Divide
Satellite communication services provide wireless internet connectivity through satellites, eliminating the need for traditional terrestrial infrastructure. These services are vital for a range of users, including broadcasters, internet service providers (ISPs), governments, military organizations, and corporations. The key types of satellite communication services include telecom services, broadcasting services, and data communication services.
The significance of satellite-based internet lies in its ability to provide global connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable or unreliable. It plays a crucial role in emergency and disaster relief operations, navigation aids, and ensuring connectivity for critical services. Starlink’s entry into India aligns with the country’s vision to bridge the digital divide and ensure internet access for all, especially in rural and remote regions.
India’s Space Sector Reforms: Paving the Way for Private Participation
India’s space sector has undergone significant reforms in recent years to encourage private participation and foster innovation. The establishment of IN-SPACe in 2020, as part of the Space Sector Reforms, was a key initiative to promote collaboration between public and private entities in the space industry. IN-SPACe operates as an autonomous body under the DoS, tasked with enhancing private sector participation and strengthening India’s space economy.
Other initiatives to boost private involvement include the creation of Antrix, the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), which facilitates the commercialization of space technologies. The Indian Space Policy 2023 further supports non-government entities (NGEs) by providing a level playing field, enabling them to participate across the entire space value chain, from satellite manufacturing to launch services.
IN-SPACe has also played a pivotal role in supporting space startups. For instance, it has facilitated the supply of critical components used by ISRO to startups like Agnikul Cosmos, which is developing private Indian launch vehicles. Additionally, IN-SPACe enabled the first sub-orbital launch by an Indian private company, Skyroot Aerospace, with its Vikram-S rocket in November 2022. The organization also manages a dedicated venture capital fund to support space startups, fostering innovation and building a vibrant space ecosystem over the next five years.
Starlink’s Journey to India: Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles
Starlink’s authorization from IN-SPACe follows a Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) license granted by the DoT in June 2025. This dual approval positions Starlink to begin commercial operations in India, pending the allocation of spectrum and the establishment of ground infrastructure. The DoT is expected to provide trial spectrum to Starlink to demonstrate compliance with security requirements, a critical step before full-scale operations can commence.
The IN-SPACe authorization grants Starlink permission to operate uplink frequencies in the 27.5-29.1 GHz and 29.5-30 GHz bands, with downlink beams in the 17.8-18.6 GHz and 18.8-19.3 GHz ranges. Individual users will connect via the 14.0-14.5 GHz and 10.7-12.7 GHz bands. However, the assignment of this spectrum by the DoT is still pending, and commercial operations cannot begin until this is finalized.
Starlink has also signed its first commercial agreements with Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) providers in India. VSAT services are crucial for delivering satellite-based internet and communication solutions, particularly in areas with limited terrestrial connectivity. These partnerships will enable Starlink to expand its reach and provide affordable internet services across the country.
Security and Ownership Concerns
While Starlink’s entry into India has been met with enthusiasm, security and ownership concerns have posed significant challenges. The DoT recently introduced additional security conditions for satellite broadband operators, including restrictions on Indian-registered satellite connections operating abroad and vice versa. These measures aim to safeguard national security while allowing foreign players like Starlink to operate in India.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized that all due diligence has been completed for Starlink’s entry into India. He noted that once the company receives the necessary regulatory and licensing approvals, it can roll out services at its discretion. The government’s cautious approach reflects its commitment to balancing innovation with security, ensuring that satellite broadband services benefit Indian citizens without compromising national interests.
Starlink’s Global Footprint and India’s Competitive Landscape
Starlink currently operates the world’s largest satellite constellation, with over 6,750 satellites in orbit, providing internet services in countries such as Mongolia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Jordan, Yemen, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. In India, Starlink faces competition from Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which is also awaiting regulatory approvals from the DoT and IN-SPACe for a large-scale satellite communication rollout.
The estimated cost for Starlink’s services in India includes approximately ₹60,000 for the hardware and ₹3,500 in monthly fees, before accounting for government levies that may increase the price. While these costs may pose challenges for widespread adoption, the government sees significant potential for satellite internet in remote government offices and underserved areas.
The Road Ahead for Starlink in India
With IN-SPACe’s authorization and the DoT’s GMPCS license, Starlink is poised to roll out its services in India within the next few months, pending final regulatory clearances. The company’s ability to provide high-speed internet to rural and remote regions could transform connectivity in India, supporting education, healthcare, and economic development in areas with limited infrastructure.
The government’s support for private participation in the space sector, coupled with initiatives like IN-SPACe’s venture capital fund and the Indian Space Policy 2023, signals a bright future for India’s space economy. As Starlink and other players like Project Kuiper enter the market, India is set to become a key player in the global satellite communication landscape.
Conclusion
The authorization of Starlink by IN-SPACe marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward a more connected and inclusive digital future. By leveraging its global satellite constellation, Starlink has the potential to bridge the digital divide, bringing high-speed internet to millions of Indians in remote and underserved areas. As India continues to liberalize its space sector and foster public-private collaboration, the entry of global players like Starlink underscores the country’s growing prominence in the global space industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the significance of IN-SPACe’s authorization for Starlink in India?
IN-SPACe’s five-year authorization, granted on July 9, 2025, allows Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited (SSCPL) to operate its Starlink Gen1 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation in India. This approval enables SSCPL to provide high-speed satellite-based internet services, particularly in remote and underserved areas, supporting India’s goal to bridge the digital divide. It marks a significant step in liberalizing India’s satellite communication sector and fostering private participation in space-based services.
2. What are the key features of Starlink’s Gen1 constellation in India?
The Starlink Gen1 constellation consists of 4,408 satellites orbiting Earth at altitudes between 540 and 570 kilometers. It is capable of delivering approximately 600 Gbps throughput over India, providing high-speed internet connectivity. The constellation operates uplink frequencies in the 27.5-29.1 GHz and 29.5-30 GHz bands, with downlink beams in the 17.8-18.6 GHz and 18.8-19.3 GHz ranges, and user connections in the 14.0-14.5 GHz and 10.7-12.7 GHz bands.
3. What regulatory approvals are still required for Starlink to start commercial operations in India?
While IN-SPACe has granted authorization, Starlink still needs to secure spectrum allocation from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and comply with security and licensing requirements from relevant government departments. The DoT is set to provide trial spectrum for security compliance demonstrations, and Starlink must establish ground infrastructure before launching commercial services.
4. How does Starlink’s entry align with India’s space sector reforms?
Starlink’s authorization aligns with India’s Space Sector Reforms (2020) and the Indian Space Policy 2023, which aim to increase private participation in the space industry. IN-SPACe, established under these reforms, promotes public-private collaboration and supports startups like Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace. The authorization reflects India’s commitment to creating a level playing field for non-government entities and fostering a vibrant space ecosystem.
5. How will Starlink’s services benefit India, and what challenges might it face?
Starlink’s services will provide high-speed internet to rural and remote areas, supporting education, healthcare, and economic development. It will also aid in emergency and disaster relief and enhance connectivity for government offices in underserved regions. However, challenges include high hardware costs (estimated at ₹60,000) and monthly fees (₹3,500, excluding government levies), as well as security concerns, such as restrictions on cross-border connectivity, which Starlink must address to ensure compliance.
