Starlink's India Plans: Final Approval Pending, But Hope Remains High

Starlink in India: Will 2025 End the Long Wait for Satellite Internet? 

India's digital landscape is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the potential launch of Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX. The company has recently secured a license to operate in India, paving the way for high-speed broadband access in remote and rural areas. 

This development comes as a welcome relief to millions of Indians who continue to struggle with patchy internet connectivity, despite the rollout of 5G services in urban areas. With OneWeb and JioSatellite already cleared for launch, Starlink's entry into the Indian market is expected to bridge the digital divide and empower citizens across the country. 

However, the company still needs to overcome regulatory hurdles and demonstrate service functionality to obtain security clearance. As the Indian government takes a cautious approach to licensing and security, the question remains whether Starlink will commence operations in 2025 or face further delays. This article explores the current status, challenges, and future prospects of Starlink in India.

The Current Position of Starlink in India 

As of mid-2025, the Indian government has yet to grant Starlink final regulatory approval. The DoT and IN-SPACe are yet to determine whether Starlink can meet its licensing and security requirements. 

First, SpaceX introduced Starlink in phases, targeting rural and remote geographical areas with no traditional broadband coverage. However, data sovereignty and foreign ownership regulatory concerns delayed the construction of Starlink. Compared to its rivals, regulatory issues worsened the issue, considering that Starlink is wholly foreign-owned, while Bharti Airtel's OneWeb and Reliance Jio's satellite division are home-owned.

Implications of Starlink Approval 

The Indian internet space is marked by turbulence. While urban areas have fibre-optic or high-speed (5G) connectivity, rural areas often have slow and unstable connectivity, with more than 50% of the population affected. Stralink can serve customers at distances over 50 km, with speeds of up to 200 Mbps and a latency of about 20 milliseconds. Additionally, it will drive innovations in telemedicine, education, and farming.

The Broadband India Forum (BIF) has calculated that satellite internet can potentially add US$15 billion to India's GDP by 2030. Over 5,000 pre-orders for Starlink have already been registered in IndiaTherefore, there is a clear incentive for disruption in the satellite internet market.

Regulatory Issues and Competition

Starlink's key obstacle is India’s complex telecommunications regulations. The government requires satellite operators to partner with local companies, a policy SpaceX has resisted. Additionally, concerns have been raised over spectrum allocation and national security, which have both delayed approvals.

At this point, local competition is also advancing. The necessary clearances have been completed by OneWeb, which Bharti Airtel backs, to offer services by late 2025,  while Reliance Jio continues to advance with SES to trial satellite-based broadband. As these developments occur, Starlink will likely face pressure to ensure compliance or risk forfeiting its competitive advantage.

What Does the Future Look Like for Starlink in India?

According to industry speculation, Starlink may soon announce a partnership with a local player to help satisfy regulatory concerns. SpaceX has already incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary in India and is actively talking with various telecommunications companies. If things go well, then a limited commercial launch could happen in early 2026.

Indian businesses and consumers are currently cautiously optimistic. The potential for satellite internet to bridge India's digital gaps is immense, and Starlink may be the catalyst to bring internet access to those areas. 

The Final Countdown: Starlink’s Make-or-Break Moment in India

Starlink's arrival in India has been sluggish, but hope is on the horizon as demand for speedy internet continues to increase. If SpaceX were to penetrate one of the world's most extensive internet backwaters, it would finally be a matter of whether regulatory certainty for Starlink would mean an opportunity for success. Meanwhile, competition from global and local players will continue to shape India's connectivity future.