Elon Musk’s Starlink has achieved a major milestone by securing a satellite internet license from India’s Telecom Ministry, paving the way for high-speed connectivity in remote areas. Here’s everything you need to know about this game-changing development.
New Delhi: Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite-based internet service under SpaceX, has been granted a crucial license by the Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This approval marks a significant step toward launching its high-speed internet services across India, particularly in underserved and remote regions. Starlink becomes the third company to receive this license, following Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s satellite arm.
A Milestone for Starlink in India
The license brings Starlink closer to realizing its long-standing ambition to enter the Indian market. The company had faced delays due to regulatory hurdles, including a pause on pre-bookings in 2021 for lack of necessary approvals. With this clearance, Starlink can now focus on operational preparations, though challenges like spectrum allocation remain unresolved.
Jyotiraditya Scindia’s Vision for Connectivity
Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, hailed Starlink’s entry as a transformative addition to India’s telecom landscape. “Satellite connectivity is like a new flower in the bouquet of telecommunications,” Scindia remarked. He emphasized its importance for remote areas where traditional infrastructure like optical fiber or mobile towers is impractical. “Only satellites can bridge the connectivity gap in such regions,” he added.
What is Starlink?
Starlink operates a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, positioned 500–550 kilometers above Earth, to deliver high-speed internet globally. With over 6,000 satellites launched as of 2025, Starlink already serves millions across 100+ countries. Its ability to provide broadband in isolated areas makes it a game-changer for rural India, where 30% of the population lacks reliable internet, according to a 2024 TRAI report.
Competitive Landscape and Partnerships
Starlink will compete with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel’s OneWeb, both of which have secured similar licenses. Interestingly, Starlink has announced partnerships with Jio and Airtel for distributing its hardware and kits in India, potentially easing its market entry. However, a key challenge lies in spectrum allocation. While Jio and Airtel advocate for traditional auctions, Starlink prefers an administrative allocation method, which could delay service rollout.
Benefits for India
Satellite internet promises to revolutionize connectivity in India’s remote regions, including hilly terrains, islands, and tribal areas. A 2023 study by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) estimated that bridging the digital divide could boost India’s GDP by 1.5% annually. Starlink’s low-latency internet, with speeds up to 150 Mbps, could enable telemedicine, online education, and e-commerce in areas previously cut off from digital services.
Cost Concerns
While Starlink’s technology is promising, its pricing could be a hurdle. Globally, Starlink’s starter kit costs around $599, with monthly plans ranging from $50 to $150. In India, these costs may be prohibitive for rural users unless subsidized. Experts suggest Starlink may introduce tiered plans or partner with local telecoms to make services more affordable.
What Lies Ahead?
The allocation of satellite spectrum remains a critical bottleneck. The DoT is yet to finalize whether spectrum will be auctioned or administratively assigned, a decision that could delay Starlink’s launch by months. Meanwhile, Starlink is reportedly in talks with state governments to pilot services in areas like Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, signaling a strategic push to demonstrate its capabilities.
Global Context and Musk’s India Connection
Elon Musk’s focus on India aligns with his recent engagements with the country. During his April 2024 visit, Musk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced a $2–3 billion investment in Starlink’s India operations. This license approval underscores India’s growing importance in Musk’s global vision for universal connectivity.