Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, has started mandatory security trials in India, marking a major step toward its long-awaited commercial entry. These tests are among the final regulatory requirements, indicating that Starlink could launch services in India as early as the first half of 2026, provided all clearances are secured.
The company is establishing a network of nine to ten gateway earth stations across India to link its low-Earth orbit satellites with the country’s terrestrial internet infrastructure. Key locations include Mumbai, Noida, Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Lucknow, with Mumbai hosting three completed stations serving as Starlink’s primary operational hub.
Starlink’s rollout strategy positions it ahead of rivals such as Bharti Airtel-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s Jio Satellite. While competitors focus on enterprise and government clients, Starlink aims to deliver high-speed internet directly to consumers, especially in rural and underserved areas, supporting India’s Digital India vision.
Stringent security measures govern all foreign satellite internet providers in India. Data generated during trials must remain within the country, and gateway stations must be operated by Indian nationals until foreign technical staff receive security clearances. These steps are intended to safeguard national security and ensure regulatory oversight.
Starlink has already secured provisional spectrum allocation and key government approvals. The company now awaits the final pricing framework from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, which will define the structure of its commercial offerings. If guidelines are released by the end of 2025, Starlink could begin operations in India by mid-2026.
Analysts say Starlink’s entry could be transformative, expanding high-speed connectivity beyond urban centers and advancing digital inclusion. Success in navigating regulatory, security, and operational challenges could make India a key market in the next phase of global satellite internet services.
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