Starlink Gets Final Regulatory Approval In India

SUMMARY

After receiving DoT authorisation recently, Starlink has received a key licence from the IN-SPACe to commence commercial operations in the country

To operate satellite-based internet business in the country, companies need approvals from the telecommunications department (DoT), TRAI, and IN-SPACe

Starlink will now need to secure spectrum from the government, set up ground infrastructure, and also demonstrate through testing and trials that it meets the security rules it has signed up for

Update | July 9, 8:35 PM

In a statement, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) said that it has granted authorisation to Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd for enabling provisioning of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites constellation, namely Starlink Gen1.

The authorisation will enable the company to provide satellite communication services in India. IN-SPACe further informed that the Starlink Gen1 Constellation has 4408 satellites orbiting earth in altitude varies between 540-570 Km capable to provide a 600 Gbps throughput over India.

“IN-SPACe authorisation to SSCPL has a validity period of five (5) years from the date of authorisation or end of operational life of Gen1 constellation – whichever is earlier. The roll-out of services is subject to the stipulated regulatory provisions and requisite clearance/approval/license from the relevant government department,” the agency said.

Original | July 9, 6:18 PM

Marking another important development in global satcom giant Starlink’s India journey, the company has now received a key licence from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to commence commercial operations in the country.

Citing three government officials, Reuters reported that this marks the final regulatory approval needed by the Elon Musk-led company to begin operations. Earlier in June, Starlink received the telecom ministry’s approval, as per communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

To operate satellite-based internet business in the country, companies need approvals from the telecommunications department (DoT), TRAI, and IN-SPACe.

The development makes Starlink the third player to receive authorisation from IN-SPACe. While OneWeb India received the nod in 2023, Jio Platforms, through its joint venture with SES, Orbit Connect India, received the go-ahead from the regulator to operate satellites for providing satellite-based internet services in India in 2024.

Starlink will now need to secure spectrum from the government, set up ground infrastructure, and also demonstrate through testing and trials that it meets the security rules it has signed up for.

Notably, spectrum allocation has been on the government’s agenda for some time now. In May, the DoT was said to be in the process of finalising the satellite spectrum allocation rules soon and was slated to share the draft for comments. However, there have been no further developments in this regard.

Earlier, spectrum allocation emerged as a point of contention between Jio and Starlink for.

While Jio, along with other telecom operators, advocated for an auction to allocate spectrum to ensure a level-playing field, Starlink batted for administrative allocation. However, the Indian government has largely sided with Starlink, deciding to allocate spectrum administratively.

Despite the differences on spectrum allocation, Jio entered into an agreement with Starlink in March to offer the latter’s satcom services to its customers in India. Starlink also inked a similar deal with Airtel around that time.

Last month, it was reported that Starlink would price its monthly subscriptions in the range of INR 3,000 to INR 4,200 in India, while its kit, which includes a satellite dish and a WiFi router, will be available for INR 33,000.