India has conditionally approved Elon Musk’s Starlink to offer satellite-based internet services, paving the way for high-speed connectivity in remote areas. The move aligns with India’s goal of bridging the digital divide and improving internet access nationwide.

Key Highlights:

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Starlink for GMPCS, VSAT, and ISP licenses, subject to regulatory compliance.
• Starlink has agreed to Indian security mandates, including data localization and setting up a command-and-control center within India.
• TRAI has recommended a five-year satellite spectrum allocation model with provisions for extensions and revenue-sharing.
• Starlink is forming partnerships with Indian telecom giants like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea to expand its reach.
• The service is expected to provide high-speed internet to underserved rural regions, supporting digital inclusion across the country.