Musk-owned Starlink, which provides satellite internet services, has received regulatory approval from the government—nearly three years after first applying for an operator licence—paving the way for the company to start offering the service in the country. Receiving a letter of intent from the government paves the way for Starlink to receive a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence.
Starlink’s approval for operation in India opens the door to a transformative shift in the country’s telecom and broadband sectors. India’s vast population and digital divides, particularly in remote areas, present a massive opportunity for Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. This approval, which signals overcoming India’s regulatory hurdles, sets Starlink up for access to a multi-billion-dollar market. It also places the company in direct competition with existing players like Hughes, OneWeb, and Jio, although Starlink’s first-mover advantage and global infrastructure may give it an edge.
Great meeting you today @elonmusk! We had multifaceted conversations on issues ranging from energy to spirituality. pic.twitter.com/IVwOy5SlMV
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2023
“The regulatory approval is significant, as it indicates a greater openness to foreign satellite providers in India’s tightly controlled telecom sector. However, Starlink must overcome challenges, including localizing operations, building ground stations, and navigating India’s tech sovereignty goals. The success of its rollout will depend on execution and local partnerships,” Manish Rawat, Analyst, TechInsights told Financial Express.
“Geopolitical factors also play a role, with the U.S.-India relationship influencing approval. This move could position India as a key battleground for satellite internet services in emerging markets and may attract investment in the space-tech sector,” Rawat addded.
Starlink’s entry could bridge India’s digital divide, providing access to telemedicine, e-learning, and digital payments, which would align with the Digital India initiative. However, national security concerns may arise due to reliance on foreign infrastructure. Competitors like Amazon’s Project Kuiper and OneWeb are likely to intensify the race for dominance in this sector.
🚨Starlink has received a Letter of Intent from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to begin satellite communication services in the country. pic.twitter.com/WRlyziFgcM
— Indian Infra Report (@Indianinfoguide) May 8, 2025
“It’s a significant milestone for the satellite communication (SATCOMM) journey in India. While SATCOMM will remain a niche service for now and may be out of reach for the masses due to pricing, Starlink is leading the satellite communications space globally. Its commercial presence in India will contribute to the country’s early progress in this sector. Additionally, it brings with it the ‘Musk Magic’ — we’ve seen how Elon Musk’s entry into any industry draws immense attention. Electric vehicles, space, and satellites are just a few examples.”,” Faisal Kawoosa, Chief Analyst & Co-founder Techarc added.
Bharti Airtel recently entered into a strategic understanding with SpaceX to explore the deployment of Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet across India. This collaboration aims to evaluate how Starlink’s advanced connectivity solutions can strengthen and expand Airtel’s current services.
The two companies are assessing multiple possibilities, such as integrating Starlink terminals in Airtel’s retail outlets, offering satellite internet to enterprise customers, and delivering connectivity to remote schools, healthcare facilities, and underserved communities across rural India.
Additionally, the partnership intends to explore how Airtel’s deep market knowledge and existing infrastructure can support the rollout of Starlink, while SpaceX’s satellite network could also help extend Airtel’s own coverage footprint. They will also assess the potential for SpaceX to leverage Airtel’s terrestrial network and other logistical assets across the country.
Airtel Africa has partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to expand high-speed satellite internet across Africa pic.twitter.com/Mqz1jjhIbs
— African Hub (@AfricanHub_) May 5, 2025
In parallel, Jio Platforms Ltd., a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has also disclosed its own collaborative arrangement with SpaceX. This agreement, pending the necessary regulatory clearances for Starlink in India, will allow Jio and SpaceX to jointly explore ways in which Starlink’s technology can enhance Jio’s
broadband offerings. Both parties are also considering how Jio’s robust presence in the Indian telecom sector can support SpaceX’s direct-to-consumer and business services.
“It marks a pivotal moment for India’s satellite broadband ambitions. However, translating approval into commercial rollout won’t be instant. Regulatory compliance, especially on data localization, surveillance norms, and local sourcing remains a significant operational hurdle. Still, once active, Starlink’s services could be transformative for rural and remote connectivity, complementing existing infrastructure and accelerating digital inclusion,” Tarun Pathak: Tarun Pathak, Research Director, Counterpoint Research mentioned.
To recall, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently issued new guidelines for satellite communication firms. These regulations require companies to establish local manufacturing, ensure data localization, utilize domestic navigation systems, implement blocking mechanisms, and collaborate with law enforcement authorities.
Starlink provides reliable high-speed internet, ensuring connectivity when it matters most 🛰️☀️ https://t.co/khJQvZekgG
— Starlink (@Starlink) May 3, 2025
As per the guidelines, satellite communication providers must submit a phased manufacturing plan to the government, outlining their strategy for increasing indigenization. The goal is to achieve at least 20% local manufacturing of their ground segment for the satellite network within five years of commencing commercial operations.
“India is the second-largest smartphone market in the world. The network infrastructure has grown over time, but some areas still have low or no connectivity. Country’s connectivity challenges, particularly in underserved rural regions such as the Northeast and parts of Ladakh, etc. can be addressed by Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology, enabling smartphone connectivity in these areas. The best part is that it works with common LTE standards, so there is no need to buy a special device or make changes to existing firmware. It offers numerous benefits, such as bringing more tourism to remote areas, digitizing the remote population (which could help with employment), and connecting them with the modern world,” Abhilash Kumar Industry Analyst at TechInsights concluded.