Starlink in India: GoI gives in-principle nod, DoT expediting process ahead of Elon Musk's visit

Elon Musk will be meeting PM Modi during his 48-hour visit to India later this month. Image Credit: File

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starlink satellite communication project in India has a major development as it gets one step closer to a potential launch in India. Starlink has been given tentative approval by the Department of Telecommunications, headed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The approval comes, after nearly three and a half years of evaluation, as per a report by The Times of India. The report also suggests that although the approval is still under consideration with the minister, the DoT is trying to expedite all clearance processes, and plans on finishing the process before Elon Musk’s scheduled 2-day visit to India.

During his visit, Musk will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, possibly around India’s Tesla and Starlink’s operations in India.

The process for Starlink’s approval now awaits a final review by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and for clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs as they are considering certain security issues that may come up because of Starlink, according to sources cited in the report.

So far the commercial aspects of Starlink’s proposed operations in India have been scrutinised thoroughly. These include avenues like foreign investment, financial standing etc. So far, the report says, authorities have found that Starlink’s proposal meets all regulations and compliances that are set forth with the with official guidelines.

Certain technical requirements have also been evaluated to see if they are in line with licensing conditions, with Starlink submitting ownership declarations.

Despite its benefits, Starlink’s massive deployment of satellites has raised concerns about its impact on the night sky, astronomical observations, and wildlife behaviour. There are also issues around data security and controlling connectivity.

As for security, the Government of India is seeking assurances from Starlink that data transmitted over Indian airspace and waters will only terminate at local gateways and that satellite data beams will not be redirected to foreign destinations. Starlink has reportedly provided assurances to address these concerns.

Once approved by Minister Vaishnaw, Starlink will get a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) services license, which is required for offering any satellite communication service in India.

Other companies like OneWeb backed by Bharti Airtel’s Sunil Mittal and Jio in partnership with Luxembourg-based SES have already obtained GMPCS licenses. However, spectrum allocation and pricing details are yet to be declared as finalisation by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India TRAI is still awaited.

For those unaware Starlink is a division of SpaceX, which provides high-speed internet access globally using a constellation of thousands of satellites in low-earth orbit. This service is particularly beneficial in rural and remote areas where broadband internet or fibre-based internet isn’t available.

Customers need a kit containing a Starlink dish, a WiFi router and a power supply, some cables, and a base to access Starlink. The self-orienting dish connects quickly with a clear view of the sky, and the service can be managed via the Starlink app.

Starlink currently offers services in several countries, including the United States, Europe, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, South America, Asia, Africa, and a few others.