Starlink Receives Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre Approval for Operations

Starlink, a satellite broadband service owned by SpaceX, has received an authorization to operate in India from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). This is the second major approval Starlink has received in India, following a Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) authorisation from the Department of Telecommunications. The IN-SPACe authorization allows Starlink to beam internet connections to rural and remote areas. However, commercial operations cannot start until the assignment of spectrum by the Department of Telecommunications is completed.

Starlink, the satellite broadband service owned by SpaceX, has received authorization to operate in India from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). This authorization, effective for five years until July 2030, marks a significant milestone for Starlink's entry into the Indian market [1].

The IN-SPACe authorization allows Starlink to beam internet connections to rural and remote areas, which have historically faced connectivity challenges. This development comes on the heels of Starlink's Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) authorization from the Department of Telecommunications, which was granted in June 2025 [1].

However, commercial operations cannot commence until the assignment of spectrum by the Department of Telecommunications is completed. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has recommended administrative allocation of spectrum for satellite internet services, with satcom companies required to pay annual spectrum charges of either 4% of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) or ₹3,500 per MHz, whichever is higher [1].

Starlink is not the only player in the Indian satellite internet market. Other companies, such as Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite, have also secured authorizations to operate in India. Additionally, Ananth Technologies, a Hyderabad-based company, has been granted approval to offer satellite communication services using a domestically-built satellite, positioning itself to compete directly with international players [2].

The approvals for Starlink and other satellite internet providers come as India looks to enhance its digital infrastructure and close a bilateral trade deal with the United States to avoid potential reciprocal tariffs. The Centre has extended the trial spectrum usage period for these providers, offering them crucial breathing space to comply with India's stringent security requirements [1].

In conclusion, while Starlink has made significant progress in securing the necessary authorizations to operate in India, the commercial launch of its services remains contingent upon the allocation of spectrum by the Department of Telecommunications. This development is likely to have a profound impact on the digital landscape in India, bringing high-speed internet to areas previously underserved by traditional terrestrial networks.

References:
[1] https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/elon-musks-starlink-gets-the-final-clearance-to-satellite-internet-services-in-india-11752063673922.html
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/ananth-technologies-private-satcom-service-approval-india-125070500109_1.html