SpaceX’s Starlink is edging closer to an official launch in India after securing a critical approval from the country’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), paving the way for the company to tap into one of the world’s largest broadband markets.
After years of regulatory hurdles, the Indian government has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Starlink, confirming conditional approval for the company to begin operations. This follows the recent release of new licensing guidelines for satellite communication providers under India’s Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) policy.
To receive its final operating license, Starlink must still demonstrate compliance with the full list of regulatory and security requirements, including user terminal geofencing, local data routing, and content monitoring provisions.
India, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion and around 950 million internet users, represents a massive growth opportunity for Starlink. Just securing a fraction of the country’s consumer broadband market could generate billions in revenue. According to reports, capturing just 1% of India’s broadband base could bring in nearly $1 billion annually.
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The development also comes amid a broader warming of ties between India and Elon Musk’s ventures. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently met with Starlink executives to discuss investment opportunities, and Musk is expected to visit India later this year—potentially to advance both Starlink and Tesla’s planned entry into the Indian market.
Starlink’s rollout is projected to begin within six to nine months, pending final licensing and spectrum allocation by Indian authorities.
