Elon Musk’s Starlink Inc. has received regulatory clearance from India’s telecom ministry, enabling the rollout of its satellite internet services in the country.
This approval ends a lengthy wait for the U.S.-based company, which has been eager to enter India’s vast market of over 900 million internet users, a critical opportunity given its exclusion from China. Starlink’s entry marks a significant shift for India, where internet access primarily relies on cell towers and fiber-optic cables.
Beyond satellite internet, Musk is also advancing Tesla’s plans to enter India’s automotive market by shipping vehicles, recruiting staff, and establishing showrooms.
Since launching its first satellites in 2019, SpaceX’s Starlink has amassed approximately 5 million customers across 100+ countries, outpacing rivals.
Starlink must now apply for spectrum licenses to conduct trial services for three to six months before starting commercial operations. The approval process for trial spectrum is expected to take two-to-three weeks.
The company has also formed strategic partnerships with India’s leading telecom operators, signing agreements in March with Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. and Bharti Airtel Ltd. to support its rollout.
India’s Telecom Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, recently emphasized the importance of satellite internet for remote regions and disaster recovery scenarios where traditional networks may fail.