The approval allows Starlink to commercially launch its satellite internet operations across India The centre has granted Elon Musk-led Starlink a licence to provide satellite-based internet services in the country, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed on social media following a meeting with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. The approval allows Starlink to commercially launch its satellite internet operations across India. Minister Scindia termed the meeting with Shotwell as “extremely productive,” highlighting the potential for satellite technology to support the government’s Digital India vision. The minister said Starlink’s entry could revolutionise remote connectivity, especially in areas with poor network access. The licence comes after years of regulatory uncertainty for the company. In 2021, the Department of Telecommunications had directed Starlink to halt pre-orders and refund customers, citing a lack of approvals. With this new licence in place, the company is now formally permitted to operate in the Indian telecom ecosystem. Starlink, which aims to provide high-speed internet via a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, has previously expressed interest in serving rural and remote Indian regions. The company must still obtain spectrum allocation and approvals from other authorities, such as the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), before commencing full-scale operations. The entry of Starlink adds competition to India’s emerging satellite broadband market, which already includes players like Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelsat OneWeb. Share