In a major development for India’s digital connectivity landscape, Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, has officially received its operating licence from the Indian government. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia termed this move the “next frontier of connectivity”, following a key meeting with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell.
Starlink: Beaming Broadband From the Skies
Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service that delivers high-speed, low-latency broadband via a massive network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites positioned just 550 km above Earth. Unlike traditional services that use geostationary satellites far above the planet, Starlink offers faster and more reliable connections, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Jio and Airtel Partner with Starlink
India’s top telecom players, Jio Platforms and Bharti Airtel, announced partnerships with SpaceX in March 2025. As part of the deal, Starlink’s hardware will be sold through Jio and Airtel’s retail networks, with Jio also providing installation, activation, and customer support services.
The focus is on bridging the digital divide by bringing internet access to rural schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses in isolated regions.
Challenges Ahead: Spectrum Allocation Dispute
Despite this milestone, tensions have surfaced between Elon Musk and Mukesh Ambani—Asia’s richest man and the owner of Jio—regarding how satellite spectrum should be allocated. The debate centers around whether the government should auction the spectrum (as preferred by Jio) or allocate it administratively (favored by SpaceX).
This issue could impact the pricing and scalability of satellite internet services in India.
Gearing Up for the Digital Future
Both telecom giants are enthusiastic about the collaboration. Jio CEO Mathew Oommen called it a “transformative step,” while Airtel’s Gopal Vittal said it was a “significant milestone.” Starlink’s entry into India is also seen as a precursor to Musk’s bigger push into the Indian market, with Tesla’s arrival on the horizon.
Conclusion: A Satellite-Powered India
Starlink’s approval paves the way for a tech-driven transformation of rural and remote India, offering fast internet in areas traditional infrastructure cannot reach. If regulatory challenges are addressed, India could become a major market for satellite internet, revolutionising connectivity for millions.
