Elon Musk’s satellite venture Starlink, under SpaceX, has been granted a Letter of Intent (LoI) by India’s Department of Telecom (DoT) for a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence. The company had been waiting for this clearance for several years. This approval marks a key step toward Starlink launching satellite-based internet services in India.
Commitment to Indian Laws
The LoI was issued after Starlink agreed to follow Indian laws, including those related to data localisation, security interception, and setting up a command-and-control centre within the country.
Strategic Timing Amid US-India Trade Talks
The development aligns with ongoing efforts by India to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement with the United States, in part to counter any potential tariff actions by Donald Trump. It also follows recent meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Elon Musk, and Indian officials such as Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
Boost for Competition and Connectivity
Officials see Starlink’s entry as a boost for India’s telecom sector. With the arrival of satellite internet services, consumers are expected to benefit from greater competition and improved internet access, especially in remote areas.
Tesla Entry Adds to Musk’s India Plans
Alongside Starlink, Musk is preparing to launch Tesla in India this year. The company has already secured retail space in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Initially, cars will be imported, with plans to establish a local manufacturing plant later.
Satellite Services to Enhance Telecom Ecosystem
According to officials, introducing satellite-based communication will complement the existing mobile and internet infrastructure. It is seen as a natural progression from traditional landline and mobile services to advanced satellite-powered connectivity. The government expects further investments from satellite players and broader development of the telecom ecosystem.
Next Steps for Starlink
After the GMPCS licence, Starlink will still need additional clearances, including from the Department of Space, before it can start accepting orders and begin operations in India.
