Indian Space Regulator Approves Elon Musk’s Starlink Services for 5 Years

New Delhi – The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has granted a five-year authorisation to Elon Musk’s Starlink, clearing the final regulatory hurdle for the satellite internet service to begin operations in India.

In an official statement, IN-SPACe announced that it has approved Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited (SSCPL), based in New Delhi, to provide Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-based services using the Starlink Gen1 constellation.

“The Starlink Gen1 Constellation is a global network of 4,408 satellites orbiting at altitudes between 540-570 km, capable of delivering approximately 600 Gbps throughput over India,” the regulator said.

This authorization enables SSCPL to offer satellite communication services in the country. The license is valid for five years from the date of issuance or until the end of the operational life of the Gen1 constellation—whichever comes first.

Although IN-SPACe’s approval marks a significant milestone, Starlink must still acquire spectrum rights from the Indian government and build the required ground infrastructure before launching full services.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is expected to issue a trial spectrum to Starlink to conduct security compliance demonstrations.

Starlink has also signed its first commercial agreements with VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) providers in India. These partners deliver satellite-based internet and communication solutions in areas with limited or no terrestrial connectivity.

The rollout of Starlink’s affordable satellite internet service is expected in the coming months, though it remains contingent on final regulatory clearances and licenses from relevant government bodies.

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently stated that all due diligence has been completed on their part for Starlink’s entry into India, and the company is free to launch services once it receives the necessary approvals.

Previously, IN-SPACe had issued a draft Letter of Intent (LoI) to Starlink as part of the pre-approval process.

Starlink currently operates the world’s largest satellite constellation, with over 6,750 satellites in orbit, and provides internet services in countries such as Mongolia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Jordan, Yemen, Azerbaijan, and Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, a direct competitor to Starlink, is also awaiting approvals from IN-SPACe and DoT as it plans to launch its own satellite broadband services in India.

With inputs from IANS