Elon Musk: In a landmark move set to revolutionise digital access across the nation, the Government of India has officially granted operating rights to Starlink Satellite Internet India, the ambitious space-based internet service spearheaded by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The development was confirmed by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia via a post on the social media platform X, signalling a strategic step toward closing the connectivity gap in underserved regions.
“Had a productive meeting with Ms. @Gwynne_Shotwell, President & COO of @SpaceX, on India’s next frontier in connectivity. We delved into opportunities for collaboration in satellite communications to power Digital India’s soaring ambitions and empower every citizen across the country,” Scindia shared.
Gwynne Shotwell, acknowledging the progress, praised the Indian government’s decision, calling the licensing of Starlink Satellite Internet India “a great start to the journey.”
This milestone comes shortly after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued Starlink the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) permit — a mandatory requirement to operate satellite communication services within India. With this approval, Starlink joins Eutelsat, OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications as the third entity cleared to provide commercial satellite internet in the country. Amazon’s Project Kuiper remains in the wings, pending regulatory green lights.
Elon Musk: Strategic Partnerships to Strengthen Reach
What sets Elon Musk‘s Starlink apart is not just its technology but its strategic collaboration with India’s telecom powerhouses. The company has reportedly signed agreements with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, telecom giants collectively commanding more than 70% of the Indian market. This collaboration ensures that Starlink’s reach will be amplified by deep-rooted infrastructure and market penetration already established by its Indian partners.
This collaboration is a powerful nod to the government’s Digital India initiative, which aims to bring high-speed internet access to every corner of the country, from dense urban hubs to the remotest rural communities. With the addition of Starlink Satellite Internet India, this vision is closer to becoming a reality.
How Starlink Works: The Power of Low Earth Orbit
Unlike traditional geostationary satellite internet systems, Elon Musk’s Starlink leverages a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation — a vast network of satellites orbiting at approximately 550 kilometers above the Earth. This configuration offers high-speed, low-latency broadband services even in regions where fibre or cellular networks remain absent or unreliable.
Starlink’s rapidly growing constellation is already operational in several countries, delivering transformative internet solutions to rural schools, disaster-hit regions, and remote industrial outposts. Its arrival in India comes at a time when digital inclusion is being recognized as a key pillar of socioeconomic development.
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