Starlink Set To Launch In India Soon, License Approval Expected By Mid-June: Report (image-X/IndianTechGuide)
Texas, US: Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, is set to begin operations in India with services likely to roll out after receiving a unified license by mid-June, according to reports. The company will pay a non-refundable fee of Rs 1.6 crore and has been issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) outlining stringent national security and accountability conditions.
Starlink must also submit performance and financial bank guarantees amounting to over Rs 1.20 crore as part of the regulatory prerequisites, according to NDTV. The Department of Telecommunications is expected to grant final approval in the coming weeks, provided the company meets all obligations specified in the LoI issued earlier in May.
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According to the document, the non-refundable entry fee includes the company’s authorisations under the Unified Licence for GMPCS, VSAT, and ISP-A services, to enable it to provide its services across India. Besides, the performance and financial bank guarantees will ensure the company meets its rollout and service obligations.
Apart from financial conditions, the LoI has also listed several clauses for the deal with the satellite venture.
Upon approval, Starlink plans to offer satellite-based internet services with a total bandwidth capacity between 600 and 700 Gbps at an expected starting price of Rs 850 per month. The company aims to complete the first phase of infrastructure deployment within six to seven months of licensing. This includes establishing over 27 ground gateways across three strategic locations in India to support its earth station network.
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These gateways are essential to link user terminals with satellites and connect to the global internet backbone, ensuring the delivery of high-speed internet to users across remote and underserved regions.
On Tuesday, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia told NDTV that the country is eager to welcome players like Mr. Musk’s Starlink. “And India is ready for SATCOM service delivery. All players across the world are welcome. As long as they comply with our regulations, they check the boxes and are ready to perform business in India, all are welcome in India,” he said, as quoted by the news outlet.
