Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture Starlink has taken a major step toward expanding its presence in India by leasing office space in Mumbai’s Chandivali area, according to The Economic Times. This move marks the company’s renewed push to establish local operations as it prepares to launch commercial satellite internet services in the country. Property documents accessed through Propstack reveal that Starlink Satellite Communications has rented 1,294 sq ft of space on the ground floor of the Boomerang commercial complex. The five-year lease, starting October 14, comes at a monthly rent of over ₹3.52 lakh with a 5% annual escalation and a security deposit of ₹31.7 lakh. Though modest, this is Starlink’s first reported office in Mumbai, aligning with its strategy to build a strong local presence.
Starlink Sets Up Gateway Stations and Begins Security Trials in India
Industry experts believe that Mumbai could serve as a central hub for Starlink’s India operations. The company is reportedly working on setting up nine gateway earth stations across India, including one in Mumbai, which will play a crucial role in enabling satellite-based internet connectivity nationwide. These ground stations will act as vital communication links between the company’s low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites and Indian users.
Starlink has also received temporary approval from the Indian government to use specific radio frequencies for system testing under strict security and operational conditions. The company is allowed to import 100 satellite terminals for trials but cannot use them for commercial purposes yet. Given the sensitivity of satellite communication, Starlink must ensure that all data remains within India, only Indian nationals operate ground stations until foreign staff receive clearance, and full equipment details are regularly shared with authorities.
Starlink Poised to Bridge India’s Digital Divide with Satellite Internet
Starlink is now the third company, after OneWeb and Jio Satellite, to obtain permission for security trials. However, full commercial rollout will depend on final security approvals. Part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink aims to provide high-speed broadband to India’s remote and underserved regions, helping bridge the digital divide in a country with over 850 million internet users and rapidly expanding 4G and 5G networks.
Summary:
Elon Musk’s Starlink has leased office space in Mumbai, marking its first physical presence in India as it prepares for commercial satellite internet rollout. The company plans nine gateway stations and has government approval for security trials, aiming to deliver high-speed broadband to India’s remote and underserved regions.
