Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. Elon Musk’s company SpaceX has received a license from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to operate its Starlink satellite internet services in the country. Starlink will now require final clearance from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe). Once approved, it will become the third operator in India allowed to offer satellite-based internet services, after OneWeb and Reliance Jio.

High-speed internet at affordable pricing

According to media reports, Starlink plans to offer unlimited high-speed internet in India at a promotional price of just ₹840 per month. While this pricing has not yet been officially confirmed by the company, it is expected to be a game changer in rural and remote areas, where access to regular broadband remains a challenge.

How Starlink works

Starlink functions by transmitting signals from ground stations to low-earth orbit satellites, which reflect the signal back to users. A dish installed at the user’s premises captures the signal and connects to a modem that enables internet access on devices. The low-earth orbit of these satellites ensures lower latency and smoother connectivity, especially compared to traditional satellite internet options.

Delayed launch due to security concerns

Although Starlink has been pursuing entry into the Indian market since 2022, it faced delays due to concerns over data security and interception capabilities. The Indian government had put forth strict conditions related to data protection, which Starlink eventually accepted. After receiving the Letter of Intent in May 2025, the company was granted the license. Final spectrum allocation and IN-SPACe approval are still pending.

Why India matters for Musk and Starlink

India represents the world’s second-largest internet user base. For Elon Musk, entering this market is a significant win, especially amid ongoing tensions with U.S. regulators and political challenges involving former President Donald Trump. The Indian license could help Musk expand SpaceX’s commercial opportunities and diversify its global footprint.

Connectivity beyond cities

Once launched, Starlink’s satellite internet is expected to boost digital inclusion in rural and underserved regions. This will benefit online education, telemedicine, and rural entrepreneurship. It may also intensify competition in the telecom sector, potentially leading to more affordable and better data plans across the board. The Starlink kit will include a dish, router, power cables, and a tripod, and must be placed under open sky for optimal connectivity.

7 Key Highlights in Bullet Points

• Starlink receives telecom ministry’s license to operate satellite internet in India.
• Final clearance awaited from space regulator IN-SPACe before commercial rollout.
• Promotional plan may offer unlimited data at ₹840/month, says media report.
• Starlink works via low-earth orbit satellites ensuring high-speed and low-latency internet.
• Approval was delayed due to security concerns; conditions on data and call interception were accepted.
• India is a key market due to its massive internet user base and rural connectivity gap.
• Service aims to support online education, healthcare, and small businesses in remote regions.