India grants licence to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service
SpaceX launches 26 new satellites to bolster Starlink coverage
DUBAI/NEW DELHI: India has granted a licence to Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service, paving the way for a new era of satellite-powered connectivity across the country.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed the move as the opening of India’s "next frontier of connectivity", following a meeting with Starlink President and COO Gwynne Shotwell.
Starlink, developed by Musk’s aerospace firm SpaceX, delivers high-speed broadband via a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Unlike traditional satellite providers relying on geostationary satellites, Starlink operates closer to Earth – at around 550 km altitude – enabling lower latency and faster internet speeds, especially in underserved or remote areas.
Starlink in India
Starlink has grown rapidly since its inception, offering internet access in various remote regions worldwide. Its entry into India, however, has sparked debate over issues including predatory pricing and how satellite spectrum should be allocated. Despite regulatory challenges, the Indian government’s approval signals a shift towards greater inclusion in digital infrastructure.
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… pic.twitter.com/gGiCLC5e1C
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) June 17, 2025
Gwynne Shotwell praised the approval on Musk’s social media platform X, calling it a promising beginning. “Had a productive meeting with Ms. Shotwell on India’s next frontier in connectivity,” Scindia posted, reiterating Starlink’s potential to empower citizens and accelerate Digital India goals.
Local partnerships
In March, India’s leading telecom operators, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, signed agreements with SpaceX to offer Starlink services through their networks. Under these deals, the companies will distribute Starlink hardware via retail outlets and provide support services such as installation and customer care.
Reliance Jio’s CEO Mathew Oommen described the partnership as a “transformative step toward seamless broadband connectivity for all.” Airtel’s Gopal Vittal echoed the sentiment, stating the collaboration was a significant milestone for expanding their service offerings.
Despite the enthusiasm, tensions remain. Musk has reportedly clashed with Jio’s owner, Mukesh Ambani – Asia’s richest man – over spectrum allocation methods, a subject that remains contentious among India's telecom giants.
New satellites launched
Coinciding with the regulatory green light in India, SpaceX successfully launched a batch of 26 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit on Monday. The mission, carried out from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marked the Falcon 9 rocket’s third flight and included a successful droneship landing in the Pacific Ocean.
Watch Falcon 9 launch 26 @Starlink satellites to orbit from California https://t.co/rmDHx7Mqtl
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 17, 2025
In a separate launch, another Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, delivering 28 more Starlink satellites into orbit.
Watch Falcon 9 launch 28 @Starlink satellites to orbit from Florida https://t.co/vwNy2OTzfp
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 18, 2025
These continuous deployments are part of SpaceX’s ambitious effort to expand global broadband access through its ever-growing satellite constellation.