Starlink, the satellite-based internet service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has received yet another critical approval from Indian authorities as it inches closer to launching commercial operations in the country. According to official sources, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has granted a key license related to spectrum use and network access, which was a major bottleneck in the company’s India plans.

Awaiting Final Permissions for Full-Scale Rollout

Though Starlink has cleared several bureaucratic roadblocks, it still awaits a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license, and crucially, spectrum allocation—both essential for commencing services. The recent nod is part of a phased approval process and adds momentum to the company’s ambitions to provide affordable, high-speed internet across underserved regions in India.

A Long Road to Approval

Starlink has faced multiple delays since it first began accepting pre-orders in India in 2021. Regulatory concerns, especially over licensing compliance and data localization norms, had halted progress. The Indian government had earlier directed Starlink to refund pre-orders until proper permissions were secured. Now, with this recent clearance, industry watchers believe that the launch may finally materialize within the next few quarters.

Potential Impact on India’s Digital Future

India, with its vast rural population lacking reliable internet access, stands to benefit significantly from satellite internet services. Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellite constellation is designed to provide fast and stable internet in remote areas where terrestrial networks are hard to reach. The service is expected to boost digital inclusion, support education, and enable economic growth in previously disconnected zones.

Rising Competition in Satellite Internet

Starlink’s entry into India will not go unchallenged. Domestic players such as Reliance Jio’s JioSat and Bharti-backed OneWeb are also racing to capture market share in the satellite broadband segment. The Indian government is encouraging private sector participation to bridge the digital divide, setting the stage for fierce competition in the years ahead.

Conclusion: Countdown Begins for Starlink India Launch

With one more major approval secured, Starlink's journey into India has gained significant traction. While final regulatory greenlights are still awaited, the momentum signals an imminent rollout that could reshape the connectivity landscape in the world’s most populous country. If all goes as planned, Starlink could begin operations in India as early as 2025.