Starlink, the satellite broadband arm of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, received final regulatory approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) to launch commercial operations in India. This approval, effective until July 7, 2030, marks a significant milestone, allowing Starlink to deploy its Gen1 satellite constellation across the country. The decision follows a June 2025 license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), completing the regulatory process that began in 2022. Starlink becomes the third company, alongside Eutelsat-owned OneWeb and Reliance Jio, to gain authorization for satellite internet services in India. The company’s constellation, comprising over 4,000 Gen1 satellites, is designed to deliver high-speed internet, with a potential throughput of 600 Gbps. Next steps include securing spectrum allocation, establishing ground infrastructure, and conducting security compliance trials. Reports suggest commercial services could launch by late 2025 or early 2026. Starlink has partnered with Reliance Jio for distribution and is in discussions with Bharti Airtel, leveraging their extensive networks to reach India’s underserved broadband market. This development positions Starlink to enhance connectivity in rural and remote areas, with pricing expected to start under ₹1,000, though exact details await official announcement.
34news.online
34news.online
