The Groundwork is Laid
In a significant move, Starlink has established a substantial ground network in India, a prerequisite for launching its satellite internet services. Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations, confirmed at the India Mobile Congress
2026 that the company has built 20 gateway sites, or earth stations, which feature hundreds of antennas. These gateways are the vital link between the satellites orbiting in space and the terrestrial internet, ensuring that data can flow seamlessly to and from users. This investment underscores Starlink's commitment to the Indian market after years of dialogue with regulators. Furthermore, Dreyer emphasised that the operations have been specifically designed for India, with controls in place to ensure Indian user data remains within the country, addressing key security and data localisation requirements.
Navigating the Regulatory Maze
While the physical infrastructure is taking shape, the final green light depends on navigating India's stringent regulatory landscape. Starlink has secured its Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and received authorisation from the space regulator IN-SPACe. However, several critical clearances are still pending. The most significant hurdles include the final assignment of spectrum and a comprehensive security clearance for the network. These security protocols are particularly rigorous, a legacy of concerns following the 2008 Mumbai attacks where satellite phones were used by the attackers. The government requires that all network traffic and monitoring systems be located within India, a condition Starlink says its new gateways are built to meet.
A Second Push into a Competitive Market
This isn't Starlink's first attempt to enter India. The company had previously accepted pre-bookings in 2021 before having the necessary licences, prompting the DoT to order refunds. This time, the approach is more methodical, with infrastructure and regulatory compliance at the forefront. However, Starlink will not be entering an empty field. The Indian satellite broadband market is heating up, with formidable competitors also in the final stages of approval. Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio's satellite arm, Jio Satellite Communications, have also secured GMPCS licences and are preparing for launch. Amazon's Project Kuiper is another major global player with ambitions for the Indian market. Starlink has reportedly signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with both Airtel and Jio, suggesting a potential for collaboration alongside competition.
The Promise for a Digital India
The primary appeal of satellite internet services like Starlink is their potential to bridge the digital divide. For millions in rural and remote parts of India, where laying fibre optic cables is geographically and economically challenging, satellite broadband offers a transformative solution. Dreyer stated that Starlink can connect people 'within minutes, not years', highlighting the rapid deployment possible. This aligns with the Indian government's vision of 100% connectivity. While urban users are well-served by inexpensive terrestrial broadband, satellite services could be a game-changer for underserved areas, boosting education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Despite nearly 98% of Indian villages having 4G coverage, significant gaps in high-speed, reliable internet persist, particularly in rural subscription density.
