India Grants Operational Approval to Starlink
Elon Musk’s satellite internet business, Starlink, has obtained crucial regulatory clearance to launch in India, a significant milestone in its international expansion. The firm has been issued a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license, which enables it to offer satellite-enabled broadband services in the country. A Letter of Intent (LoI) is likely to follow soon, paving the way for Starlink to commence formal operations.
This follows months of waiting and talks with Indian regulators. Starlink’s foray into India is in line with the country’s effort to advance digital access, particularly to rural and remote communities that lack and cannot support conventional broadband infrastructure.
In order to solidify its presence, Starlink has also reportedly established strategic alliances with Indian telecom providers, such as Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. These partnerships should help distribute Starlink’s hardware and merge its services on domestic networks, creating a smoother path to market.
The Indian government’s administrative allocation of satellite broadband spectrum instead of through expensive auctions has been viewed as a pro-business action in favor of more equitable competition and in line with global trends. Elon Musk had earlier expressed concern regarding auction-based spectrum allocation, which might have stalled Starlink’s entry.
As Starlink prepares to launch, it will have to comply with all Indian regulatory and security requirements. When operational, the service will greatly enhance internet access, contributing to the country’s digital inclusion and connectivity aspirations.
