Photo Courtesy: freemalaysiatoday.com
Nashik, 24 March: SpaceX’s Starlink has officially entered India, signalling a transformative shift in national connectivity. Overcoming years of regulatory challenges including stringent data localization requirements and spectrum allocation issues under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Starlink has secured landmark partnerships with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. These deals leverage Jio’s 480+ million and Airtel’s 290+ million subscribers, providing Starlink with an extensive distribution network to serve India’s diverse population of over 1.4 billion, nearly 40% of whom still lack reliable internet access.
By integrating its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite system already boasting over 6,700 satellites into the existing telecom eco-system. Starlink promises high-speed, low-latency connectivity to remote and underserved areas where traditional fibre and mobile networks struggle due to geographical limitations. A recent KPMG study projects that India’s satellite communication market could grow exponentially, potentially reaching multi-billion-dollar valuations in the coming years. This entry not only bridges the digital divide but also sets the stage for socio-economic development across urban centres and rural regions alike.
Global Ambition and Local Transformation
Global high‐speed internet is transitioning from a concept to implementation. Starlink, part of Elon Musk’s initiative in space technology, operates over 6,700 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband across North America, Europe, Oceania, and emerging markets. This network reaches areas underserved by traditional terrestrial networks. In India, nearly 670 million people lack internet access, mostly in remote rural regions. Strategic partnerships with telecom providers Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel aim to address this issue. These collaborations intend to use the distribution channels and customer bases of Jio and Airtel, which have a combined subscriber count exceeding 770 million, to deliver Starlink’s services after regulatory approvals are obtained.
This combination of satellite technology and local infrastructure may promote socio-economic development by enhancing access to education, healthcare, and commerce. As India advances toward digital inclusion, such public–private initiatives are estimated to improve connectivity, potentially empowering millions and addressing the digital divide.
Origins and Technological Evolution
Born from SpaceX’s drive to reduce space travel costs through reusable rockets, Starlink emerged as an experimental venture to provide a resilient, alternative communication network. Early beta tests paved the way for thousands of LEO satellites orbiting much closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites, thereby reducing latency and enabling a more responsive internet experience. Key innovations including advanced phased array antennas and beamforming technologies have overcome initial challenges, proving invaluable during crises such as the Russia Ukraine conflict, where Starlink restored critical communications when terrestrial networks failed.
Remote Areas Without Traditional Infrastructure – Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are deployed close to Earth around 550 km enabling high-speed, low-latency internet where fibre or cable infrastructure is nonviable. For instance, in rural regions of Alaska, Fiji, and emerging markets like parts of Africa and Asia, communities have gained access to reliable broadband that was previously unreachable. As of early 2025, Starlink operates in over 118 countries with a constellation of more than 7,000 satellites, serving millions of users in remote and underserved areas.
On-the-Move Connectivity – Starlink’s deployment on vessels and aircraft demonstrates its ability to provide continuous connectivity. Major cruise lines (e.g., Carnival, MSC, and Royal Caribbean) and airlines such as Qatar Airways and United Airlines have integrated Starlink into their fleets. This enables passengers to enjoy streaming, video calls, and other real-time applications, rivalling the experience of home broadband.In aviation, tens of thousands of flights are now equipped with Starlink, with airlines reporting speeds that support streaming and low latency connectivity even over oceans and remote regions.
Smart Cities, Emergency Services, and Crisis Management – Governments and enterprises have increasingly adopted Starlink for secure communications in environments where conventional infrastructure is lacking or compromised. For example, during natural disasters in regions like Tonga and during the Russia – Ukraine War, Starlink’s rapid deployment restored vital communications for military, emergency services, and humanitarian aid.In Ukraine, by mid-2022, over 20,000 Starlink terminals were reported to be in use most of which were funded by international donors and governments to maintain both civilian and military communications during the conflict.
The Indian Digital Landscape
India’s digital ecosystem is highly heterogeneous. While urban centres have seen rapid broadband growth, large segments of the population especially in rural and remote regions remain offline. With over 1.4 billion people and nearly 40% lacking internet access, satellite broadband can help bridge this digital divide. Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network promises to deliver high‐speed, low-latency connectivity where traditional infrastructure is impractical. According to government estimates, millions still lack connectivity, and initiatives like Digital India are targeting improved reach. A 2024 KPMG study projected significant growth in satellite communication, with India’s satcom market potentially reaching multi-billion-dollar levels in the coming years.
Regulatory and Security Mandates – For Starlink to operate in India, it must navigate a rigorous regulatory landscape.Indian authorities mandate that all user data be stored domestically and that telecom operators facilitate lawful interception. Starlink has agreed, in principle, to comply with these data localization requirements to address national security concerns. India’s new Telecommunications Act, 2023 (which replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885) now governs spectrum allocation. Unlike auction-based allocation used for terrestrial networks, the government is leaning towards an administrative allocation for satellite broadband aligning with Starlink’s global approach.
However, debates continue over licensing duration. While Starlink has pushed for longer-term permits (up to 20 years), domestic players and regulators such as TRAI are considering a shorter five-year period to reassess market stability and pricing. Starlink must secure a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and obtain security clearance from bodies like the Ministry of Home Affairs. Past incidents such as the seizure of Starlink devices in conflict or smuggling zones have underlined the need for strict compliance.
Strategic Partnerships and Market Penetration – Both Jio and Airtel, with extensive retail networks and millions of subscribers (Jio has around 480+ and Airtel’s 290+ million subscribers), will distribute Starlink equipment through their outlets. This partnership offers Starlink a ready-made channel to reach consumers in both rural and urban radical areas. Rather than competing directly with traditional broadband (which is generally cheaper and offers higher speeds in urban areas), Starlink is expected to serve as a complementary solution.
It aims primarily at remote regions where laying fibre or setting up cell towers is prohibitively expensive. Recent partnerships, suggest a softening of previous turf wars. Even competitors have recognized that working together can accelerate digital inclusion, especially when government approval is on the horizon.
Economic Considerations and Consumer Impact – In many countries, Starlink’s pricing is significantly higher than that of local broadband services for example, in the US monthly fees can range between $120 to $500, while in India, traditional broadband plans can start as low as $5-7 per month. Analysts predict that without government subsidies or innovative pricing models, Starlink may be affordable only for premium or enterprise users initially. Industry experts believe that integrating Starlink into the product portfolios of established telcos could reduce upfront costs for consumers. Bundling the satellite service with other offerings (such as mobile data or fibre broadband) might make it more agreeable in India’s price-sensitive market.
While urban areas with existing connectivity might stick with fibre or 5G services, rural communities where connectivity is sparse could benefit from Starlink’s ability to deliver high-speed internet over vast distances, thereby driving socio-economic growth in education, healthcare, and commerce.
Competitive Dynamics and the Road Ahead – India’s telecom sector already includes domestic satellite initiatives such as Reliance’s own satellite broadband venture and Bharti-backed OneWeb. The entry of Starlink and potentially Amazon’s Kuiper will intensify competition but also expand the overall market size. Analysts see Starlink as an enhancer rather than a disruptor to existing networks, as it is expected to serve only a small percentage of total broadband revenue (estimated to be around 6-10% of FY30 EBITDA for major telcos).
While Starlink has faced delays in its licensing process since its initial attempts in 2021, recent high-level meetings (including those between Elon Musk and Prime Minister Narendra Modi) signal potential acceleration. Pending final regulatory clearances and spectrum allocation (with TRAI expected to submit recommendations soon), Starlink’s commercial rollout could begin soon. With over 6,700 active satellites already in orbit and plans for further expansion, Starlink is well-positioned to gradually lower costs through economies of scale. As the market matures and technical innovations drive performance improvements, we may see enhanced affordability and broader adoption across India.
Learning from Global Case Studies
Ukraine
During the Russia–Ukraine conflict, traditional communication networks were severely disrupted by military actions. In this context, Starlink emerged as a critical lifeline. Starlink terminals were rapidly deployed in war zones to ensure continuous connectivity for civilian authorities, military units, and humanitarian organizations. According to Reuters, Ukraine’s use of Starlink enabled command and control, real-time situational awareness, and remote coordination even when terrestrial networks were down. The system’s ability to scale quickly with thousands of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites providing low-latency connectivity demonstrated the technology’s resilience in crisis conditions. This operational success offers a compelling blueprint for enhancing India’s emergency and disaster management, where rapid communication can be a matter of life and death.
Bhutan
Bhutan’s rugged terrain and dispersed population have long posed challenges to deploying conventional broadband infrastructure. In response, Starlink moulded its pricing and service model to meet local economic conditions. For example, in Bhutan, residential Starlink plans have been reported to range from approximately Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,200 per month. levels adjusted to suit the purchasing power of local users. This model, which also features a lower one-time hardware fee compared to Western markets, has significantly boosted digital inclusion by providing affordable high-speed connectivity in remote areas. The approach underscores the importance of flexibility in pricing and service offerings in geographically and economically diverse markets a lesson that could help India address its own rural connectivity challenges.
Brazil
Brazil, another vast country with large rural and remote regions, has seen its regulatory authorities adopt a competitive stance. Recently, Brazilian regulators have permitted Chinese companies, including SpaceSail, to enter the satellite broadband market. Following agreements with Malaysia and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Brazil last year, SpaceSail has emerged as a significant provider of satellite services to various countries. This strategy is designed to promote competitive pricing and lessen reliance on a single provider, such as Starlink. By encouraging multiple players to participate, Brazil hopes to drive innovation, improve service quality, and lower consumer costs. Such regulatory dynamics underscore the global pressure on companies like Starlink to continuously adapt and refine their strategies in diverse market environments. For India, these competitive models could serve as an example of how regulatory frameworks might be designed to balance market inclusivity, innovation, and fair pricing in a rapidly evolving digital landscape
A New Digital Dawn
Starlink’s entry into India, partnering with Reliance Jio and Airtel, marks a significant leap toward bridging the digital divide. Overcoming regulatory challenges and leveraging its network of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet across remote and underserved regions. This innovative approach, inspired by global successes in Ukraine and adaptable pricing models from countries like Bhutan, seeks to enhance socio-economic development through improved access to education, healthcare, and commerce. Ultimately, the collaboration represents a transformative shift in India’s telecommunications landscape, promising greater connectivity and technological advancement nationwide. This pioneering project is expected to empower millions nationwide.
