Starlink Set to Launch in India After Meeting DoT Requirements

Elon Musk’s Starlink is on track to roll out its satellite internet services in India after successfully meeting all security compliance conditions specified in the Letter of Intent (LoI) issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The company is expected to receive the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license within this month, marking a significant step towards expanding internet access in remote and underserved regions of the country.

Starlink Nears GMPCS License Approval

Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has met the necessary conditions set by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), including security-related requirements and undertakings on other guidelines. A senior official stated, “They had already submitted the necessary security-related requirements to meet the new license conditions, and had given undertakings on other guidelines.”

Next Steps: Approvals and Infrastructure

Once Starlink obtains the GMPCS license, it must secure approval from India’s space regulator, IN-SPACe — a process that is reportedly in its final phase. The last clearance will come from the inter-ministerial standing committee (IMC), after which Starlink will be granted provisional spectrum access. However, the launch of services won’t happen right away.

The company will need to establish ground infrastructure, including gateways and a Network Operations Centre, along with enabling lawful interception capabilities. This setup process is anticipated to take around nine months before Starlink’s satellite communication services can officially begin in India.

Amazon Kuiper Faces Delays

While Starlink progresses, Amazon's Project Kuiper is still awaiting a Letter of Intent from the DoT. Despite reportedly fulfilling all mandates, the lack of inter-ministerial standing committee meetings since December 2024 has stalled progress. A source noted, “There has been no meeting since December 2024, hence no progress on Kuiper's application. Without the inter-ministerial standing committee meeting, a LoI can't be issued.” 

Amazon aims to establish 10 gateways and two points of presence in India, specifically in Mumbai and Chennai, compared to Starlink's plan for two gateways.

Industry Reactions and Future Outlook

India's top telecom operators, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, have expressed concerns regarding proposed low pricing for satellite spectrum, which could benefit new entrants like Starlink at the expense of existing businesses. Acting through the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), they appealed to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to reconsider the spectrum pricing recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), stating that the proposed rates are "unjustifiably low" and could potentially undermine fair market competition.

Conclusion

Starlink's impending launch in India signifies a major advancement in the country's digital infrastructure, particularly for remote and underserved regions. By fulfilling the Department of Telecommunications' requirements for the GMPCS license, Starlink is poised to offer high-speed satellite internet services, complementing existing providers like Jio and OneWeb.

While Amazon's Project Kuiper faces delays due to pending approvals, the entry of Starlink is expected to enhance competition and drive innovation in India's satellite internet market. As infrastructure developments progress over the next nine months, consumers can anticipate improved connectivity options, bridging the digital divide across the nation.