Starlink's Imminent Entry in India

Elon Musk’s Starlink has received final regulatory approval from India’s space agency IN-SPACe to operate its Gen1 low-earth orbit satellite constellation over Indian territory, valid until July 2030. This makes Starlink the third company after Bharti Airtel-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s joint venture with SES to secure full authorization for satellite internet services in India. Interestingly, both Airtel and Jio, while partnering with Starlink to market and distribute its services through their extensive dealer networks, also compete in the satellite internet space via their respective ventures—Airtel with Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio with SES. This creates a unique dynamic where distributors are also rivals in the emerging satellite broadband market. With IN-SPACe’s clearance, Starlink can now proceed to acquire spectrum, establish ground infrastructure, and begin service rollout plans. Meanwhile, Amazon’s Project Kuiper is still awaiting government approval to enter the Indian market, promising further competition ahead. This regulatory milestone positions Starlink alongside established players as India’s satellite internet ecosystem takes shape, aiming to enhance connectivity especially in remote and underserved regions.