Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, has garnered much-anticipated approval from India’s Department of Telecommunications, marking a significant milestone as it prepares to enter one of the largest internet markets globally, following a previous setback over three years ago.
The nod from Indian authorities allows Starlink to commence preparations to meet the necessary compliance regulations. Recently, New Delhi established guidelines for Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) operators, including Starlink and competitors like Amazon’s Kuiper. These rules not only aim to establish security protocols but also grant the Indian government broader powers for content monitoring and restrict access to user terminals based outside designated coverage areas.
To commence operations, SpaceX must also secure approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) for its satellite communication services. Reports indicate that the official rollout of Starlink’s services in India could take between six to nine months.
This development reflects a positive signal from the Indian government toward Musk’s aspirations to boost his user base in a country with over 1.4 billion residents, of whom approximately 950 million are internet subscribers. The looming digital landscape represents a promising opportunity for Starlink and similar firms offering innovative internet solutions.
The approval comes two months after Indian telecom giants Airtel and Reliance Jio formed partnerships with SpaceX to provide high-speed Starlink services. However, for these partnerships to materialise, standalone regulatory approvals were essential. In a previous attempt in 2022, SpaceX faced backlash for initiating Starlink services without requisite licenses and later had to refund pre-orders after the government intervened.
Musk’s advocacy for Starlink may have gained traction since his previous legal hurdles, influenced in part by his connections with political figures and potential geopolitical manoeuvrings. In a recent engagement, Indian commerce minister Piyush Goyal met with Starlink executives and discussed operational strategies, following a conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Musk during his visit to the US. Musk has also expressed his intention to visit India this year.
While the approval boosts Starlink’s prospects, it is expected to face stiff competition within the Indian satellite internet sector. OneWeb, partnered with Airtel, has already secured regulatory clearance, alongside Jio SpaceFiber, a joint venture between Reliance Jio and SES. Amazon’s Kuiper is also seeking the necessary approvals to initiate its operations.
The Indian government still needs to disclose how it plans to allocate spectrum to satellite internet companies, having introduced a new telecom bill that facilitates spectrum allocation for satellite services late last year. As companies await further clarity on fees and requirements, the race for dominance in India’s satellite internet landscape is poised to intensify.
Currently, SpaceX has not responded to inquiries regarding its plans in India.
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