Elon Musk's Starlink has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of providing satellite internet services in India. The company has been granted a crucial license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), paving the way for the commencement of its commercial operations in the country. This makes Starlink the third company to receive authorization, following OneWeb and Reliance Jio, to offer satellite-based internet services in India.

The issuance of the Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) license marks the end of a three-year wait for Starlink, which had first applied for the permit in 2022. The process experienced delays due to various factors, including national security concerns. With this approval, Starlink can now deploy its satellite infrastructure and offer voice and data services across India, especially in remote and underserved areas where traditional internet access is limited or unavailable.

The development comes at a time when India is witnessing rapid advancements in its telecommunications landscape. According to Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the government will allocate spectrum following the licensing process, which will enable satellite telecom services to become fully operational in the country at a rapid pace. He emphasized that Starlink's satellite connectivity would significantly enhance telecommunications services, complementing existing fixed-line, mobile, and broadband connectivity options.

Starlink's entry into the Indian market has the potential to transform internet access, particularly in rural regions where physical infrastructure remains poor. By utilizing a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet to areas that have been historically overlooked by standard connectivity solutions. The company currently operates over 6,750 satellites, serving millions of active customers worldwide.

To gain a competitive edge in the Indian market, Starlink is reportedly planning to launch with an initial promotional offer of unlimited data plans priced below $10 per month (approximately Rs 857). This strategic move is expected to help the company capture early market share and establish a strong presence before its rivals, such as Eutelsat OneWeb, Reliance Jio, and Globalstar, fully roll out their services.

Prior to securing the license, Starlink had signed deals with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, two of India's largest telecom operators. These agreements involved stocking Starlink equipment in their retail stores, providing Starlink with a direct distribution channel across thousands of outlets. However, the deals were contingent upon Starlink obtaining the necessary government approvals to begin operations in the country.

While Starlink has secured the GMPCS license, Amazon's satellite project, Kuiper, is still awaiting approval from the Indian government. The competition among these players is expected to intensify as they vie for market share in India's burgeoning satellite internet sector.