Elon Musk’s Starlink Reportedly Gets Go-Ahead to Launch Satellite Internet Services in India

Elon Musk's satellite internet venture, Starlink, has reportedly received the green light from the Indian government to operate in India. As per Moneycontrol, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Starlink. However, the company is still awaiting the final licence, which will be granted only after it meets “all licence conditions.”

“Yes, Starlink has been issued LoI by the DoT for GMPCS, VSAT and ISP licences in India,”
a government official reportedly told Moneycontrol.
“The final licence will be given once Starlink is able to fulfil all licence conditions,”
the source reportedly added.

Strategic and Trade Implications of Starlink’s India Entry

A report by a news agency suggests that Starlink’s rapid progress in India may have a geopolitical dimension. According to the report, Indian authorities have expedited Starlink’s clearance, possibly to support broader trade negotiations with the United States.

“It’s not likely to be an explicit element of the trade negotiations with the US, but the Indian side sees this as an important lubricant that facilitates a deal,”
an Indian official told a news agency.

This move is strategic for SpaceX too — even securing 1% of India’s broadband market could reportedly add almost $1 billion annually to its revenue.

What Starlink Brings to India’s Internet Landscape

With the issuance of LoI, Starlink is now expected to begin demonstrating its services in India. The technology is comparable to that of OneWeb, which is already operational in India through a partnership with Airtel.

Earlier this year, both Reliance Jio and Airtel revealed their plans to partner with Starlink to deliver satellite-powered internet services across India. These collaborations were subject to regulatory approval, which has now been secured.

Jio stated that once SpaceX launches Starlink services in the country, it would make them available through its retail outlets and online platforms. Similarly, Airtel indicated that it could begin offering Starlink hardware in its stores and extend the satellite internet services to enterprise customers.

How Starlink Works and Its Advantages

Starlink is designed to deliver high-speed internet via a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, providing faster and more reliable access in areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is unavailable or hard to implement.

Offering anticipated download speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps and upload speeds between 5 Mbps and 20 Mbps, Starlink’s satellite internet service is well-suited for underserved and remote regions. With an estimated latency of 25 to 50 milliseconds, the connection is expected to comfortably support activities like video streaming, online gaming, and virtual meetings.

Focus on Digital Inclusion in Remote India

Both Airtel and Jio are planning to leverage Starlink to improve connectivity in rural schools, healthcare centres, and underserved regions. Airtel also intends to integrate Starlink’s technology within its existing telecom infrastructure and explore further opportunities for collaboration with SpaceX.

Earlier this week, SpaceX expanded Starlink to Brazil, showcasing the company’s continuing global rollout of the service.

Key Takeaways

• Starlink receives Letter of Intent from Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for internet services in India.

• Final licence pending compliance with all conditions.

• Approval may support India-US trade dialogues.

• Jio and Airtel to offer Starlink via stores and online.

• Projected download speeds: 25–220 Mbps; Upload: 5–20 Mbps.

• Latency between 25–50 ms supports real-time digital applications.

• Starlink aims to revolutionize rural connectivity in India.
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Conclusion 

Starlink’s impending entry into the Indian broadband market marks a significant development for the country’s digital infrastructure, especially in underserved and remote regions. With the issuance of a Letter of Intent by the Department of Telecommunications, Elon Musk’s satellite internet project is now a step closer to officially launching its services in India.

Once it fulfils all licensing conditions, Starlink is expected to transform the way internet is accessed in geographically challenging areas by offering high-speed, low-latency connectivity through its network of low Earth orbit satellites. The partnerships with Jio and Airtel further enhance its market potential and scalability.

Moreover, this development also signals a possible strategic alignment between India and the U.S. amid ongoing trade discussions. As India continues to push for greater digital inclusion, Starlink’s arrival could be a game-changer in bridging the connectivity gap across rural and remote pockets, paving the way for inclusive growth and innovation.