Starlink just bagged a key licence from India’s Ministry of Telecommunications, clearing the way for it to launch services in India.
This makes Starlink the third player after OneWeb and Reliance Jio to get this approval.
Starlink, already live in 100+ countries, aims to offer high-speed satellite internet to areas where traditional broadband struggles, think remote villages and hilly terrains where connectivity is patchy at best.
What’s next: while this is a big win, Starlink still needs a special GMPCS licence to fully deploy its satellite gear in India. It also awaits approvals on spectrum allocation and clearance from IN-SPACe to set up ground stations.
Zoom out: the satellite internet space is heating up fast. India is the world’s second-largest internet market, but nearly 400 million people still lack reliable access. Starlink’s entry, alongside OneWeb and Jio, could be a game-changer.