Starlink's Breakthrough in India

Elon Musk's ambitious satellite internet venture, Starlink, has successfully navigated its last major regulatory challenge in India. The space department's approval marks a pivotal moment for the company's entry into the Indian market, setting the stage for a transformative shift in the country's digital landscape.

The Road to Approval

Since 2022, Starlink has been on a quest to secure the necessary permissions to operate commercially in India. The recent nod from the telecom ministry was a significant step forward, but the green light from the space department was the final piece of the puzzle. Now, Starlink joins the ranks of Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio as the third entity approved to offer satellite internet services in the country.

Next Steps for Starlink

With regulatory approvals in hand, Starlink's journey in India is far from over. The company must now secure spectrum from the government, establish ground infrastructure, and conduct tests to ensure compliance with India's stringent security standards. The debate over spectrum allocation, which saw Starlink and Mukesh Ambani’s Jio at odds, has been resolved in favor of Starlink's approach, with the government opting for assignment over auction.