Starlink India Launch: Updates and Expected Timeline

Starlink Gains Approval to Operate in India

Elon Musk’s Starlink has finally secured regulatory approval from the Indian government, paving the way for entry into the world’s second-largest internet market, following China. This development occurs more than three years after SpaceX’s initial attempt to introduce its satellite-based broadband service to the nation was unsuccessful.

Regulatory Clearance and Compliance

The Department of Telecommunications in India officially granted Starlink permission to proceed with fulfilling compliance requirements within the South Asian country, as confirmed by a senior official to TechCrunch on Wednesday.

Starlink is now required to submit documentation demonstrating adherence to all licensing stipulations. Earlier this week, New Delhi released its guidelines (PDF) concerning Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) operators, establishing clear security protocols for companies like Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper, and others.

Government Oversight and Security Measures

These new regulations will empower the Indian government to censor content and intercept data transmissions, mirroring capabilities already present with traditional network operators. Furthermore, access to user terminals will be restricted to within designated geographical areas and through gateways located within India.

To operate legally within the country, satellite companies must demonstrate full compliance with these rules.

Additional Approvals Required

Beyond the Department of Telecommunications, SpaceX will also need to obtain clearance from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN–SPACe) to activate its satellite-based communication services.

Rollout Timeline

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the full-scale launch of Starlink’s services in India is anticipated to take approximately six to nine months.

A Welcoming Development for SpaceX

This latest decision represents a positive signal from the Indian government towards Elon Musk, who has long sought to expand Starlink’s user base by launching services in India. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, and roughly 950 million internet subscribers, India presents a highly attractive market for Starlink and other innovative internet service providers.

Partnerships and Previous Issues

The approval follows approximately two months after Indian telecommunications companies, Airtel and Reliance Jio, announced partnerships with SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s high-speed internet service. However, these partnerships necessitated independent regulatory approvals for Starlink.

In 2022, SpaceX faced criticism for initiating Starlink services in India without securing the necessary licenses. Consequently, the company was compelled to refund preorders for its equipment after the government objected to “booking/rendering the satellite internet service” prior to obtaining proper authorization.

Shifting Political Landscape

The current environment is more favorable for Starlink, potentially influenced by Elon Musk’s connections. Reports also suggest Starlink has been utilized as a diplomatic tool in trade negotiations involving the U.S.

High-Level Meetings and Future Plans

Last month, Indian commerce minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with Starlink executives, including Parnil Urdhwareshe, at his office in New Delhi. This meeting occurred two months after a meeting between Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and Elon Musk in the U.S. Musk has also recently announced plans to visit India this year.

This visit could provide an opportunity for the billionaire to oversee the advancement of Tesla’s operations in India, alongside the Starlink rollout, as the electric vehicle manufacturer also aims to enter the world’s most populous country.

Competition in the Satellite Internet Sector

Despite this progress, Starlink is expected to encounter significant competition from both domestic and international players in the satellite internet market. OneWeb, partnered with Airtel, has already received approval from IN-SPACe, while Jio SpaceFiber, a joint venture between Reliance Jio and SES, has secured approvals from both DoT and IN-SPACe. Amazon’s Kuiper is also actively pursuing the necessary approvals to launch its service.

Spectrum Allocation

The Indian government has not yet disclosed details regarding the spectrum allocation for satellite internet companies. Late in 2023, the government enabled spectrum allocation for satellite services through a fee structure outlined in a new telecom bill. However, the specific requirements and associated fees remain to be announced.

SpaceX did not provide a response to a request for comment.