News Article:
After months of anticipation, the Indian government has officially granted approval for Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate in the country, allowing it to offer satellite-based internet services nationwide. The decision marks a major step toward bridging India’s digital divide, especially in remote and rural areas with limited access to traditional broadband.
Starlink, a division of SpaceX, aims to use its network of over 6,000 low-earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet across even the most isolated regions. The company had applied for a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license, which has now been cleared after security and policy reviews.
Government officials stated that the entry of Starlink will boost competition in India’s growing telecom market, potentially improving connectivity in underserved zones. The move also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India initiative, focused on expanding digital infrastructure and inclusion.
Industry experts expect Starlink to begin commercial operations in early 2026, following spectrum allocation and pricing decisions by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
With competitors like Bharti-backed OneWeb and Amazon’s Project Kuiper also entering the market, India is poised to become a hub for satellite broadband innovation in the coming years.