This development positions India as a key market for SpaceX’s Starlink, aligning with global efforts to expand satellite internet access and bridge the digital divide.
Elon Musk’s Starlink has officially received a Unified License to operate satellite-based internet services in India, marking a major milestone for the country’s digital connectivity. The approval by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) paves the way for high-speed satellite broadband, particularly in remote and underserved regions where traditional fiber and mobile networks remain limited.
The announcement comes as India celebrates 30 years since its first cellular phone call on July 31, 1995, symbolizing how far the country has come in its telecom journey.
According to Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Starlink has been granted a Unified License and is now awaiting spectrum allocation and the establishment of ground gateway stations to kickstart commercial operations. “Frameworks for spectrum allocation and gateway establishment are ready, ensuring a smooth rollout for Starlink services in India,” he said.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, had first applied for an Indian license in 2021 but faced regulatory and spectrum-related delays. The DoT’s July 2025 approval marks the culmination of years of engagement between SpaceX and Indian authorities.
Once operational, Starlink’s satellite internet will target rural villages, remote hill stations, border regions, and maritime zones, where fiber broadband and 5G coverage remain inconsistent.
Starlink’s entry adds momentum to India’s emerging satellite broadband sector, where it will compete with:
- Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by Bharti Group
- Jio Satellite Communications, in partnership with Luxembourg-based SES
While both OneWeb and Jio Satellite have already received regulatory approvals, they are also awaiting spectrum allocation before launching services. Industry analysts predict that satellite internet could revolutionize India’s connectivity landscape, benefiting rural households, schools, defense networks, disaster-hit regions, and commercial shipping routes.
With licensing secured, spectrum allocation and gateway setup will be the final hurdles before Starlink India begins offering high-speed satellite broadband, expected to cost around ₹3,000 per month, as per earlier government indications.
