By Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned Starlink is nearing the finish line to launch its satellite broadband services in India, as the company undergoes mandatory security tests — one of the last major steps before receiving full commercial clearance.
The trials are part of India’s telecom security process for both local and foreign players, signalling the country’s growing readiness to integrate satellite connectivity into its digital framework.
If approved by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) before the end of the year, Bloomberg reports, Starlink could start providing high-speed internet to Indian households as early as 2026.
India fast-tracks satellite communications to close digital gaps
India, home to over 900 million internet users, still faces large connectivity gaps across rural and remote regions.
The government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is now encouraging private and foreign firms to enter the satellite communications space to bridge this digital divide.
Starlink’s arrival comes as part of this broader effort to complement fibre and mobile networks with satellite-based broadband, expanding access in areas that remain underserved.
The sector has rapidly gained momentum since the government opened up the space economy to private operators.
India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) earlier approved Starlink’s application to launch broadband operations, allocating it specific frequency bands.
The company is currently in the final phase of the security clearance process, a prerequisite for all telecom providers.
Starlink builds a large-scale network ahead of rivals
SpaceX is constructing at least 10 satellite gateways across India — more than three times the number planned by its competitors, Reliance Jio’s Space Fiber and Eutelsat’s OneWeb, the report stated, citing sources.
According to the report, the company has already completed three ground stations in Mumbai, which will serve as its operational hub in the country.
Once the TRAI finalises the pricing framework for satellite-based services, Starlink will be ready to begin its rollout. ‘
Officials are expected to conduct on-site inspections soon to complete the final stage of approvals.
The company’s strong infrastructure push highlights its ambitions to directly target individual consumers, unlike competitors such as Jio and OneWeb, which are primarily focusing on enterprise and government clients.
Starlink has been granted a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence by India’s Department of Telecommunications.
Starlink’s consumer focus aims at India’s underserved population
Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite network is designed to deliver high-speed internet to areas where traditional infrastructure is either unreliable or unavailable.
The company sees India’s rural and semi-urban population — tens of millions of potential users without dependable broadband — as a major growth opportunity.
At the same time, the service is also expected to attract affluent urban consumers willing to pay a premium for faster and more stable connections.
SpaceX is betting that Starlink’s global reputation and Elon Musk’s brand appeal will help the company secure early adopters in India’s technology-forward cities.
India represents a critical market for SpaceX, particularly as Starlink remains barred from operating in China.
Establishing a strong presence in India could offset that loss and strengthen the company’s global footprint in satellite communications.
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