Starlink's Indian license is a green light to provide satellite internet services
While the license is a major step, there are still many hurdles ahead.
One thing about Elon Musk is that between his public spats and his rocket launches, he's still conquering new frontiers. Last week, while Musk was busy feuding with, well, you know who, he was likely finalising a licensing deal to bring Starlink, his satellite internet service, to India.
According to Reuters sources, the license, which was approved by India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT), provides a pathway for the commercial rollout of Starlink's satellite internet service in the country. It comes at a time when its parent company, SpaceX's contracts and space programmes worth over $22 billion with the U.S. government, are under threat.
Related articles:
- Starlink is linking up this small island country in South Asia to the world
- Starlink nears India launch after reportedly agreeing to meet security requirements
- Starlink to break into India with help from former rivals
Since 2021, Starlink has been focusing on the Indian market, even before it secures all the necessary regulatory approvals. In March 2025, it inked agreements with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio to distribute Starlink hardware and services to enhance connectivity for businesses, schools, and rural communities.
While the license is a major step, there are still many hurdles ahead. It will need to secure spectrum from the government, build out its ground infrastructure in India to match its satellites, and carry out trials to ensure that it meets security standards before a commercial rollout takes place.
And this rollout may take months, if not years. But, for what it's worth, it would be worth the wait.
That's because India's rural population, which accounted for 63.64% (or 915 million) of the country's total population in 2023, according to Trading Economics, is experiencing significant growth in internet access. With the country's internet user base projected to surpass 900 million by 2025, data shows that the rural population accounts for 55% of India's active internet users as of 2024.
For these Indian internet consumers and businesses, having another major player in the market, alongside Jio and OneWeb, will mean more competition, even though Starlink's satellite internet isn't cheap. Still, better connectivity, despite the costs, can spur rural economies, allowing small businesses in remote areas to reach a wider market online or farmers to get access to real-time weather data and agricultural insights.
The timing of the move is ideal, as Big Tech companies are shifting their production from China to India, which could position India as tech's new home base.
Kelechi Edeh
