Elon Musk's Starlink has received a crucial license from India's Department of Telecommunications, marking a significant step towards launching its satellite-based internet services in the country. This makes Starlink the third company to receive authorization, following Eutelsat's OneWeb and Reliance Jio, to provide satellite internet services in India.
The Department of Telecommunications has granted Starlink the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license. This license enables the company to offer broadband-from-space services using low-earth orbit satellites. With this approval, Starlink can now officially begin its journey to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to customers across India, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had previously hinted at this development, emphasizing the importance of satellite connectivity in expanding internet access to regions where traditional infrastructure is difficult to establish. He clarified that the spectrum allocation would follow the licensing process, paving the way for the full operationalization of satellite telecom services in the country. "And after this, the government will provide the spectrum. Subsequently, satellite telecom services will be fully operational in the country at a rapid pace," Scindia stated.
Starlink has been eyeing the Indian market since 2021 but faced regulatory delays that led to the refund of pre-order payments. Now, with the necessary license in hand, the company can move forward with its plans to offer its services to Indian consumers. This development is expected to intensify competition in India's satellite internet sector, with Starlink, OneWeb, and Reliance Jio all vying for a share of the market. Amazon's Project Kuiper, another key player in the satcom industry, is still awaiting approval from Indian authorities.
The entry of satellite internet providers like Starlink is poised to revolutionize India's internet landscape. Satellite internet offers a viable solution for connecting remote and rural areas where laying fiber optic cables or setting up traditional cellular towers is not feasible. This technology can bridge the digital divide, providing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for those living in underserved regions.
Moreover, satellite internet can enhance the resilience of India's communication infrastructure. In times of natural disasters or other emergencies, when terrestrial networks may be damaged or disrupted, satellite internet can provide a reliable backup communication channel. This can be crucial for disaster relief efforts, emergency response, and maintaining essential services.
The granting of the license to Starlink also aligns with the Indian government's broader vision of promoting digital inclusion and expanding internet access to all citizens. With the ongoing digital transformation in India, reliable and affordable internet connectivity is becoming increasingly essential for economic growth and social development. Satellite internet can play a key role in achieving these goals, complementing existing terrestrial networks and extending the reach of the internet to every corner of the country.
