Starlink Secures License to Launch Satellite Internet Services in India, Boosting Digital Connectivity
Babushahi Bureau/ ANI
New Delhi, June 6, 2025 – SpaceX’s Starlink, a leading provider of satellite internet services, has been granted a unified license by India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to deploy Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) services, Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) services, and Internet Service Provider (ISP) Category-A operations. This milestone positions Starlink as the third entity to receive GMPCS approval in India, following Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio, marking a significant step toward enhancing digital connectivity across the nation.
The GMPCS license enables Starlink to leverage its constellation of over 7,000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet services, particularly targeting remote and underserved regions where traditional terrestrial networks are limited. The DoT emphasizes that GMPCS technology facilitates seamless mobile communication via satellite, ensuring secure and continuous service while adhering to global standards for privacy, lawful interception, and satellite transmission.
Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted the transformative potential of satellite technology, stating, “Expanding internet penetration in India, especially in remote areas, relies heavily on satellite communication systems. Traditional infrastructure like wires and towers is often impractical in such regions.” Scindia also confirmed that spectrum allocation will follow the licensing process, paving the way for Starlink’s operational rollout.
Starlink’s entry into India is bolstered by strategic partnerships with leading telecom operators Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, who will utilize their extensive dealership networks to distribute and promote Starlink’s services. This collaboration underscores a shift toward cooperative innovation in India’s telecom sector, aiming to bridge the digital divide with advanced satellite solutions. In April 2025, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with a Starlink delegation to discuss the company’s state-of-the-art technology platform, existing partnerships, and future investment plans in India, signaling strong governmental support for satellite-driven connectivity initiatives.
Starlink’s technology, which operates at altitudes of approximately 550 km, promises internet speeds of up to 300 Mbps, offering a viable alternative for rural connectivity. However, the service’s rollout will require the establishment of ground-based infrastructure, including earth station gateways and network operations centers, to ensure compliance with India’s security and regulatory frameworks.
This development not only strengthens India’s position in the global satellite communication landscape but also aligns with national priorities to achieve universal digital access, fostering economic growth and technological advancement in even the most remote corners of the country.
Brief Note on Starlink
Starlink, a satellite internet initiative by SpaceX, aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet globally using a constellation of over 7,000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites as of June 2025. Operating at altitudes of around 550 km, Starlink offers speeds up to 300 Mbps, making it a game-changer for remote and underserved areas where traditional networks are limited.
On June 6, 2025, Starlink received a unified license from India’s Department of Telecommunications to offer GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite), VSAT, and ISP Category-A services, becoming the third company after OneWeb and Reliance Jio to secure such approval. Partnering with Airtel and Jio, Starlink is set to enhance digital connectivity in India’s rural regions, aligning with the government’s vision for universal internet access. The service ensures secure, continuous connectivity while adhering to privacy, lawful interception, and global satellite transmission standards.
Starlink is owned by SpaceX, a private aerospace company founded by Elon Musk in 2002. Elon Musk serves as the CEO and Chairman of SpaceX, which operates Starlink as a satellite internet division aimed at providing global broadband connectivity. As of June 6, 2025, SpaceX remains a privately held company, with Musk being its primary owner and key decision-maker.