Negotiations for Starlink’s Entry into India

General Science (CDS) Science & Technology

Context

Starlink has begun discussions with key Indian players in the satellite communication , telecom, and broadband sectors, to accelerate the rollout of its services across India.

Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband access globally, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
Utilizing a constellation of over 7,000 small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), Starlink aims to deliver internet services where traditional infrastructure is limited or unavailable .?

Indian Telegraph Act, 1885: Starlink needs to obtain a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) licence from the Department of Telecommunications, as required under Section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act, which gives the government exclusive control over communication services.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Act, 1997: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) advises on licensing and spectrum pricing under Section 11, influencing how Starlink can offer its services.
Telecommunications Act, 2023: The law governs spectrum allocation, including Starlink’s use of Ku- and Ka-band frequencies, and mandates compliance with pricing, security, and interference norms.
Satellite Communications Policy, 2000 & IN-SPACe: Starlink must coordinate with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to ensure its satellites do not interfere with Indian assets and follow national space priorities.
IT Act, 2000 & Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: The laws require Starlink to ensure cybersecurity, lawful data access, and user privacy protections, subject to oversight by the government.

Rural Connectivity: It offers high-speed internet to areas where traditional fibre-optics or mobile towers are unviable.
Economic Empowerment: It has the potential to uplift rural education, e-health, agri-tech, and e-commerce ecosystems.
Strategic Value: It will enhance disaster communication, military connectivity, and border area infrastructure.
Digital Inclusion: It aligns with Digital India and BharatNet goals, promising equitable access.

The process of acquiring a VSAT licence is complex and time-consuming. It involves extensive technical evaluations and financial scrutiny by the Department of Telecommunications.
The Telecommunications Act, 2023 permits administrative satellite spectrum allocation, but disagreements remain between the Department of Telecommunications and TRAI over pricing and usage terms.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and intelligence agencies have yet to grant security clearance.

Starlink is expected to launch its satellite internet service in India at a premium price due to its high capital expenditure and regulatory obligations.
The hardware required to access Starlink’s services, including the satellite dish (user terminal), router, and related equipment, is also expected to be expensive for most rural households.
The service is likely to initially target institutions, remote businesses, and high-net-worth individuals in underserved regions, rather than the rural populations it eventually aims to serve.
Alleged Misuse: Reports of devices being exploited for unlawful activities have alarmed authorities.

As India aims to lead the digital economy, the Starlink experience underscores the need for adaptive, transparent, and secure regulatory frameworks that foster innovation.
Integrating satellite internet could bridge rural-urban divides and provide millions with access to education, healthcare, markets, and governance, ultimately building a more equitable and connected society.

Sources: TH