Elon Musk’s Starlink Gets Government Approval to Launch Satellite Internet Services in India

Elon Musk’s Starlink, the satellite internet arm of SpaceX, has received crucial regulatory approval from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), moving one step closer to launching its high-speed satellite broadband services in the country.

This green light comes after a prolonged wait, as Starlink had been seeking the necessary commercial license since 2022. With this latest development, India is set to welcome one of the world’s most advanced satellite internet providers, marking a transformative moment for digital connectivity in remote and underserved areas.

✅ Starlink Gets Key License from DoT

According to sources cited by Reuters, the Indian government has granted Starlink the required Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license, removing a significant roadblock that had delayed its entry. This license allows Starlink to offer satellite-based broadband services directly to customers across India.

This also positions Starlink ahead of competitors like Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which is still awaiting regulatory clearance.

📡 Partnership with Indian Telecom Giants: Airtel & Jio

In a strategic move, Starlink has already established partnerships with India’s two largest telecom operators:

• Bharti Airtel: In March 2025, Airtel confirmed a collaboration with SpaceX to roll out Starlink services in India, contingent on regulatory approval.
• Reliance Jio: Surprisingly, Jio also signed a deal with Starlink, signaling a shift in India’s competitive telecom landscape. As per the agreement, Jio will distribute Starlink equipment through its vast retail network across the country.

These partnerships are expected to accelerate the adoption of satellite internet technology in both rural and urban areas.

🌐 What is Starlink and How Does It Work?

Starlink is a next-generation satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband through a network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

🔍 Key Features of Starlink Internet:

• Speed: Comparable to fiber-optic broadband
• Coverage: Reaches remote villages, mountains, and underserved regions
• Technology: Utilizes thousands of small satellites in LEO that beam internet signals to ground-based user terminals

For countries like India, where rural internet penetration remains low, Starlink could revolutionize how millions access information, education, and government services.

 What This Means for India

With government approval now in hand and major telecom deals lined up, Starlink is poised to:

• Enhance rural connectivity
• Support digital infrastructure initiatives
• Provide internet access during natural disasters or in conflict zones
• Accelerate India’s Digital India mission

Industry experts believe Starlink’s entry will spark a new wave of competition and innovation in the satellite broadband sector, creating better options for consumers across the country.

📅 What’s Next?

Now that the license has been granted, Starlink is expected to:

• Begin pilot deployments in select regions within the coming months
• Roll out pan-India services by early 2026
• Expand partnerships and invest in localized infrastructure