Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink appears to have agreed “in principle” to meet India’s strict data localization and security requirements which would make it available in India. The move marks a significant step for Starlink, which has faced regulatory hurdles in bringing its satellite broadband services to the Indian market since applying for a license in October 2022.
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To operate legally, Starlink needed to secure a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite Services (GMPCS) license, which requires it to comply with India’s data localization regulations, which require all user data to be stored in-country and made accessible to the government when necessary.
Starlink’s agreement with India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) suggests that the company is “in the process” of adapting to these regulations. However, Starlink’s progress in India will also require coordination with India’s space agency, the National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), and further questions will be resolved before full approval.
Additionally, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is expected to issue guidelines on spectrum allocation and pricing by December, which could impact satellite spectrum allocation and thus service delivery and pricing.
Meanwhile, Starlink’s potential entry into India is not without resistance. Indian telecom giants such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have expressed concerns and advocated for an auction-based spectrum modelled on terrestrial networks.
These operators are concerned that managed allocation of satellite spectrum would favour global players such as Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, particularly in urban areas where satellite services and terrestrial networks may overlap.
Globally, Starlink could also benefit from Musk’s recent support for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has signaled he will bring Musk into his administration. This connection could give Starlink more regulatory influence as it expands internationally, including in India.
If Starlink passes these final regulatory stages, its service could significantly boost digital connectivity in India, a country of more than 1.4 billion people, coinciding with India’s growing space economy, which is expected to reach $44 billion by 2033. The move could reshape internet access for millions of people, especially in rural areas where traditional networks struggle to provide reliable connectivity.
