Starlink Nears Final Approval For India Launch: Everything You Should Know

Elon Musk's satellite Internet venture Starlink is set to secure its key regulatory clearance for launching operations in India, as the country's space regulator IN-SPACe has prepared a draft authorisation for the company's signature. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre will provide the final endorsement once Starlink completes the documentation process, marking a significant step toward commercial launch, says a report by Times of India.

This regulatory progress positions Starlink alongside established satellite communication providers Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite, which have already obtained comparable regulatory permissions. 

Notably, earlier, Starlink bagged a crucial milestone by securing its Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence, making it the third entity authorised to provide satellite-based communication services in India.

Also read: Starlink India Launch Soon: Elon Musk's Satellite Internet Service To Begin Operations At ₹3,000 Monthly Plan

Infrastructure Requirements

Despite approaching final authorisation and holding its GMPCS licence, Starlink faces substantial operational and security obligations before starting commercial services in India. The Elon Musk-owned company must establish comprehensive ground infrastructure, including satellite earth stations, communication gateways, and a dedicated control and monitoring facility on Indian soil.

Security Clearance Process

After installing these systems, Starlink will need to successfully demonstrate service functionality to obtain security clearance -- a compulsory requirement for all satellite communication operators. 

Commercial service rollout remains prohibited without this security approval, despite obtaining the license.

Rival OneWeb, Jio Satellite's Status

Starlink's rivals OneWeb and Jio Satellite, which obtained their GMPCS permits in 2021 and 2022 respectively, continue waiting for security approval. The department of telecommunications (DoT) granted both companies trial spectrum allocations last year for system testing and compliance demonstration, with this trial period recently extended by six months.

Security Concerns

Indian security agencies are maintaining close surveillance of Starlink's advancement, particularly following previous concerns. Authorities earlier flagged unauthorised usage of Starlink terminals in sensitive northeastern regions of the country. 

The ministry of home affairs brought this matter to the DoT's attention in March, resulting in enhanced scrutiny of the company's operational procedures and data-sharing protocols.

Compliance Framework

India's satellite communication regulations mandate that all traffic undergo monitoring within national boundaries, route through Indian gateways, and adhere to local control standards. Operators must also establish buffer zones along international borders as part of operational requirements.

The DoT is likely to soon provide Starlink with trial spectrum allocation to enable service demonstrations and security compliance verification.

Allocation Policies

India is concurrently developing streamlined satellite spectrum allocation policies. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed administrative assignment of satellite communication spectrum for five-year periods. The suggested fee structure includes 4 per cent of a provider's adjusted gross revenue (AGR).

Tiered Pricing

Urban subscribers of Starlink would face an additional annual charge of ₹500, while rural users would be exempt from this cost. Notably, the recommendations eliminate upfront fees or allocation costs for satellite spectrum access.