Starlink Set to Become India’s Third Satellite Communication Licensee, Confirms Telecom Minister Scindia

Elon Musk's Starlink is poised to become India's third licensed satellite internet provider, following approvals from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that Starlink will soon join Reliance Jio and Bharti's OneWeb in offering satellite-based internet services across the country.

Starlink Nears Licensing Milestone in India

Starlink has received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the DoT, marking a significant step toward obtaining a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license. The company is expected to fulfill compliance requirements by June 7, after which the government will allocate the necessary spectrum to commence operations. 

Minister Scindia emphasized the importance of satellite connectivity in India's diverse telecommunications landscape, particularly for remote areas where traditional infrastructure is challenging to deploy.

Starlink's Expansion in South Asia

While awaiting final approvals in India, Starlink has already launched services in neighboring countries. In Bangladesh, the company offers two residential plans: a standard plan at BDT 6,000 per month and a lite version at BDT 4,200 per month. Customers also pay a one-time equipment fee of BDT 47,000.

These developments indicate Starlink's commitment to expanding high-speed internet access in South Asia, targeting regions with limited connectivity options.

Industry Reactions and Future Outlook

The entry of Starlink into India's satellite internet market has elicited varied responses from existing telecom operators. Companies like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have expressed concerns over proposed low satellite communication fees, arguing that they could create an uneven playing field. 

Despite these concerns, the Indian government is moving forward with its plans to diversify the country's internet infrastructure. Starlink's impending launch is seen as a significant step toward achieving broader digital inclusion, especially in underserved regions.

Conclusion

The imminent entry of Starlink into India’s satellite internet space marks a transformative step toward bridging the digital divide, especially in remote and underserved areas. With government backing and regulatory progress in place, Starlink is poised to complement India’s existing telecom infrastructure alongside mobile and fiber networks. Its high-speed, low-latency satellite broadband has the potential to revolutionize internet access across the country, particularly in regions where traditional connectivity remains challenging.

As Starlink finalizes its licensing requirements and prepares for rollout, its expansion across South Asia—including recent launches in Bhutan and Bangladesh—demonstrates both ambition and scalability. With the government aiming for inclusive digital growth and Net Zero goals, Starlink's contribution could prove pivotal in India’s broader connectivity roadmap for the coming decade.