Starlink Receives Regulatory Approval to Operate in India, Joining Jio-SES and Eutelsat OneWeb

Strategic Insights -

Elon Musk's SpaceX, through its subsidiary Starlink, has received the final regulatory approval from the Indian government to operate its satellite communication (satcom) services in the country. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) granted its approval on July 8, 2025, allowing Starlink to roll out its services in India using its Gen 1 LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites. These satellites are capable of delivering data speeds of up to 600 Gbps, and there are 4,408 of them in operation. The approval is significant as it marks the third satcom firm to be authorized by the relevant Indian authorities, following Jio-SES and Eutelsat OneWeb.

Key Takeaways:

  • Starlink, owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has received final regulatory approval from the Indian government to operate in the country.
  • The company had been seeking licenses for several years, with the approval being granted on July 8, 2025, by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe).
  • Starlink joins Jio-SES and Eutelsat OneWeb as the third satcom firm to be authorized by the relevant Indian authorities.
  • The company can now roll out its services in India using its Gen 1 LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites, which are capable of delivering data speeds of up to 600 Gbps.
  • There are 4,408 Gen 1 LEO satellites in operation.
  • Indian telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have expressed their intention to collaborate with SpaceX, using their nationwide retail networks to distribute Starlink's hardware to customers.
  • Starlink has not yet announced its pricing for the Indian market, but an announcement is expected soon.
  • The Indian government will declare spectrum pricing and outline the allocation process, which will be used by satcom operators.

Statistics:

  • 4,408: The number of Gen 1 LEO satellites in operation.
  • 600 Gbps: The maximum data speeds that Gen 1 LEO satellites are capable of delivering.
  • July 8, 2025: The date on which the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) granted its approval to Starlink to operate in India.
  • 2 (as of now): The number of telecom giants that have expressed their intention to collaborate with SpaceX, including Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.

Sources:

  • India is poised to welcome Starlink, a multinational provider of satellite communication (satcom) services. (HT Digital Content Services with permission from Voice & Data)
  • The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) granted its approval on 8 July 2025. (HT Digital Content Services with permission from Voice & Data)
  • Starlink joins Jio-SES and Eutelsat OneWeb as the third satcom firm to be authorised by the relevant Indian authorities. (HT Digital Content Services with permission from Voice & Data)