Elon Musk’s company SpaceX is very close to launching its Starlink satellite internet services in India. The company is currently going through the final security checks required by the government before it can officially begin operations. These tests are one of the last steps before Starlink gets full approval to start offering its services.
If the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India clears it before the end of the year, Starlink could begin providing high-speed internet to Indian homes as early as 2026, according to Bloomberg.
India has over nine hundred million internet users, but many rural and remote areas still lack strong connections. The government is now pushing private and international companies to help bridge this gap through satellite-based internet. Starlink’s entry fits perfectly into this plan, as it will work alongside existing fibre and mobile networks to reach places that are hard to connect by traditional means.
The Indian space and telecom sectors have been opening up to private participation, creating room for rapid growth. The Department of Telecommunications has already approved Starlink’s application and assigned it specific frequency bands. The company is now waiting to complete the final stage of its mandatory security clearance.
Reports say SpaceX is building around ten satellite gateways across India, which is more than triple the number its rivals plan to build. It has already completed three stations in Mumbai, which will serve as the main hub for its Indian operations. Once pricing rules are set by the telecom regulator, Starlink will be ready to launch its services. Officials are expected to visit and inspect its facilities soon before granting final approval.
Unlike other satellite internet providers like Jio’s Space Fiber and OneWeb, which are targeting businesses and government clients, Starlink plans to focus on individual consumers. Its network of low-Earth orbit satellites is designed to deliver fast, reliable internet in areas where fibre or mobile networks don’t work well.
The company sees a massive opportunity among India’s rural and semi-urban population, where millions still struggle with poor internet access. At the same time, it expects strong interest from urban users who want premium, high-speed connections.
Starlink already holds a GMPCS licence from India’s telecom department, giving it the legal right to offer satellite-based communication services. For SpaceX, India is a key market, especially since Starlink is not allowed to operate in China. Building a solid presence in India could help the company strengthen its position in the global satellite internet industry.
