Starlink Gets Green Light to Launch Satellite Internet in India
Elon Musk’s Starlink is set to enter the Indian market, having received the crucial Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. This approval makes Starlink the third authorized satellite internet provider in the country, joining Bharti Airtel-Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio.
What’s Next for Starlink in India?
While the GMPCS licence is a major hurdle cleared, Starlink still has a few more steps before it can go live:
- Spectrum Allocation: The next big step is the allocation of spectrum. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that services can begin at scale only after this is complete. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has already recommended a five-year spectrum allocation period, with operators paying 4% of their adjusted gross revenue.
- IN-SPACe Approval: Starlink will also need final permission from IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) to operate its satellites in Indian airspace.
- Commercial Rollout: There’s no exact launch date yet, but commercial services are expected to start soon after spectrum allocation and other final clearances. Initial reports suggest Starlink might target urban areas first, aiming for 30,000-50,000 customers, with plans to expand significantly by 2027.
- Partnerships: Both Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have reportedly signed deals with Starlink, which could mean Starlink equipment will be available through their retail networks and services offered jointly.
- Affordable Pricing: Starlink might offer competitive monthly plans in India, potentially starting as low as $10 (around ₹850), which would be significantly lower than its prices in Western markets.
Why is This Important for India?
This development is a significant step towards bridging India’s digital divide, especially in remote and underserved regions where traditional fiber optic or mobile networks are challenging to deploy. Satellite connectivity, as highlighted by Minister Scindia, is crucial for widespread internet access and will play a vital role in transforming connectivity across the subcontinent.
Are you excited about Starlink’s potential impact on internet access in India?