SpaceX has taken a significant step ahead of its launch of Starlink satellite internet services in India after submitting an application to the Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) to obtain the necessary approvals for establishing earth stations.
While Starlink awaits approval for its global mobile personal communication by satellite services (GMPCS) license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Ministry of Home Affairs is conducting a security check that is expected to finish within the next few months. At the same time, Starlink has taken a proactive step by applying to IN-SPACe, in line with India’s new Space Policy 2023, which grants foreign entities the opportunity to establish infrastructure and offer satellite services in the country, subject to approval from the regulatory body. (via BusinesWorld)
Upon receiving the necessary approvals, Starlink will then have to wait for spectrum allocation from the DoT
Starlink faced challenges in India in the past, having been instructed by the DoT to refund Indian customers who had pre-ordered the satellite internet service before the company had obtained regulatory approvals. Soon after the India Director for Starlink, Sanjay Bhargava, stepped down from his position.
