Elon Musk’s ambitious satellite internet venture, Starlink, is now on the brink of launching in India. Backed by SpaceX, Starlink has reportedly secured preliminary approvals from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), clearing the way for its much-anticipated debut in one of the world’s fastest-growing internet markets. This move is poised to reshape the country’s digital connectivity landscape, offering robust competition to Indian telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.
Official Nod from DoT: Starlink’s Progress Toward Final Approval
Letter of Intent Issued
According to sources cited by Moneycontrol, the DoT has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Starlink for the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license, VSAT, and ISP licenses. This indicates a green light in principle, though the company must still meet several regulatory requirements before receiving the final license.
What Starlink Brings to the Table
Starlink’s Global Footprint
Already operational in over 100 countries, Starlink uses low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed internet to even the most remote corners of the planet. Unlike traditional broadband that depends on fiber-optic cables or mobile towers, Starlink’s satellite constellation ensures internet access in geographies where physical infrastructure is limited or non-existent.
Expected Performance in India
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Download speeds: 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps
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Upload speeds: 5 Mbps to 20 Mbps
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Latency: Between 25 ms to 50 ms
This performance range is suitable for high-demand activities like HD streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and more.
Disruptive Potential: How Starlink Could Challenge Jio and Airtel
A Game Changer for Rural Connectivity
India’s rural and remote regions often lack reliable broadband due to infrastructure challenges. Starlink can bridge this gap efficiently. Both Airtel and Jio have shown interest in collaborating with Starlink to bring internet connectivity to underserved areas including:
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Remote schools
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Healthcare centers
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Hilly terrains and tribal regions
Revenue Implications for SpaceX
Capturing just 1% of India’s broadband market could earn SpaceX nearly $1 billion per year, showcasing how significant the Indian market is to Starlink’s global strategy.
Airtel and Jio Partnerships: Strategic Alliances in Play
Airtel’s Approach
Airtel, through its association with OneWeb—another satellite internet provider—has expressed openness to leveraging Starlink’s infrastructure. The telco may allow SpaceX to use its network infrastructure and retail presence for wider reach across India.
Jio’s Collaboration
Jio, India’s largest telecom operator, has reportedly entered into an agreement with SpaceX in March 2025, to facilitate the rollout of Starlink once regulatory hurdles are cleared. Jio aims to offer Starlink’s service through its stores and e-commerce portals, potentially giving the satellite venture immediate access to millions of Indian customers.
Starlink and India-US Trade Relations: A Geopolitical Angle
A recent report from The Washington Post suggests that Starlink’s entry into India may have broader implications. It is reportedly being seen as a strategic lubricant for ongoing India-US trade discussions. Though not explicitly part of formal trade negotiations, Indian officials view Starlink’s approval as a goodwill gesture that could facilitate stronger bilateral cooperation.
Starlink’s Competitive Edge in Satellite Internet
Starlink holds a technological advantage with its massive constellation of low-latency satellites orbiting closer to Earth. This enables faster and more consistent internet access compared to traditional satellites stationed in higher orbits. The system also includes phased array antennas and proprietary terminals, which can be self-installed by users, making deployment easier in hard-to-reach areas.
How Will Starlink Services Be Distributed?
Once fully licensed, Starlink hardware and subscriptions are expected to be sold:
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Through Jio and Airtel retail stores
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Via online platforms, including official websites and e-commerce portals
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Possibly through government partnerships for rural deployment
Pricing details remain under wraps, but it is expected that affordable tiered pricing will be introduced to attract a wide range of Indian users.
What’s Next for Starlink in India?
With the LoI in hand, Starlink is now on a path to obtain its final license. Once the remaining formalities are completed, SpaceX will be able to:
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Launch demo services
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Begin commercial rollout
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Collaborate with public and private partners for nationwide reach
If successful, Starlink could transform the digital landscape in India by empowering millions with fast, reliable, and affordable internet access.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What is Starlink, and how does it work?
A: Starlink is a satellite internet service by SpaceX that provides high-speed internet via low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. It enables reliable connectivity even in remote locations without traditional infrastructure.
Q2: Has Starlink received approval to launch in India?
A: Yes, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a Letter of Intent to Starlink. The final license will be granted after all regulatory conditions are met.
Q3: When will Starlink services begin in India?
A: While there’s no confirmed date yet, Starlink could begin demo services soon after fulfilling license requirements, possibly in late 2025.
Q4: What speeds can Indian users expect from Starlink?
A: Starlink is expected to deliver download speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps and upload speeds of 5 Mbps to 20 Mbps with low latency.
Q5: Will Starlink services be available in rural areas?
A: Yes, Starlink is particularly beneficial for rural and remote areas where traditional broadband access is limited or unavailable.
