Elon Musk’s Starlink has won approval for a satellite internet license from India’s Ministry of Telecommunications, joining the likes of OneWeb and JioSat in providing satcom services across India. The license comes with new regulatory requirements, including collaboration with Indian security agencies—a shift from Starlink’s usual independence regarding national oversight. This approval marks a key step in bolstering rural connectivity, especially in hard-to-reach regions underserved by terrestrial networks.
However, Communications Minister Dr. Chandrashekhar Pemmasani reminds users that satellite internet isn’t a substitute for terrestrial broadband in urban areas, emphasizing complementary roles. Still, with demand rising for quality internet services in remote regions, the Starlink license could accelerate digital inclusion—unlocking new opportunities in telemedicine, e-learning, and agri-tech across India’s hinterlands.
