IN-SPACe grants 5-year authorisation to Starlink for satellite services in India

BENGALURU: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre ( IN-SPACe ) has authorised Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited (SSCPL), a New Delhi-based entity, to deploy and operate its low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation — Starlink Gen1 — in India.

Starlink, operated globally by Elon Musk-led SpaceX, has been seeking to enter the Indian market for some time. And the approval, dated July 8 and valid until July 7, 2030, marks a significant step in enabling satellite-based broadband services across the country, with SSCPL now authorised to provide satellite communication services using the Starlink Gen1 network.

This global constellation comprises 4,408 satellites operating at altitudes between 540km and 570km, and is capable of delivering a cumulative throughput of approximately 600 Gbps over Indian territory.

The authorisation is valid for five years from the date of issuance or until the end of the operational life of the Gen1 constellation — whichever comes earlier. IN-SPACe clarified that the commercial rollout of services will still require all necessary regulatory approvals, clearances, and licences from relevant government departments.

IN-SPACe’s clearance forms part of India’s broader effort to liberalise the satellite communication sector and increase private participation in space-based services.

With this authorisation, SSCPL now has a regulatory foothold to proceed with service deployment plans, although it will still need to secure spectrum allocation and other clearances from the Department of Telecommunications and other bodies.

Officials at IN-SPACe described the development as a key milestone in expanding India’s satellite communications ecosystem and supporting next-generation broadband access using space technology.