Starlink wants to align India’s stars again, but there’s a twist

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Key points

• (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.).
• Starlink has reapplied to India's space regulator for approval of its Gen 2 satellite constellation, seeking authorisation for almost 30, 000 satellites in low Earth orbit.
• It offers traditional broadband services through its 4, 408 LEO satellites, in July 2025.
• ET Exclusive: Elon Musk's Starlink reapplies for India approval of satellite network with direct-to-device tech.
• Starlink Indiasatellite communication servicesSpaceXD2D servicesGen 2 constellationsatcom marketReliance Jio LEO constellationEutelsat OneWeb.

Starlink has reapplied to India's space regulator for approval of its Gen 2 satellite constellation, seeking authorisation for almost 30, 000 satellites in low Earth orbit. As India considers expanding satcom spectrum access and finalising rules for satellite-based mobile services, the application includes newer capabilities such as direct-to-device connectivity. Listen to this article in summarized format. Unlock AI Briefing and Premium Content. Subscribe Now Already a member? Sign In.

New Delhi: Starlink has renewed efforts to offer satellite communication services in India, resubmitting an application to the space regulator seeking approval for a Gen 2 constellation that delivers the latest technologies, including direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, individuals aware of the details informed ET. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) rejected an earlier application by the Elon Musk-owned firm for the 30, 000-satellite internet constellation a few years ago due to non-conformity of certain features and spectrum bands.: India aims safe space for local satellite communications players.

"The company has recently applied to get authorisation for its Gen 2 constellation. At an altitude of 340-615 km in low earth orbit (LEO), " remarked a person privy to details, on condition of anonymity as details are not public. The world's largest LEO satellite operator remains bullish on the Indian satcom market. It is at a nascent stage but offers massive potential. The firm, operated by SpaceX, originally applied for Gen 1 and 2 constellations for starting services in the country. Live Events.

Nevertheless, IN-SPACe approved only the Gen 1 constellation. It offers traditional broadband services through its 4, 408 LEO satellites, in July 2025. Direct-to-device tech imminent.

SpaceX and IN-SPACe didn't respond to queries. India may shortly allow features such as D2D while opening more spectrum bands for satcom. It prompted Starlink to reapply. If approved, this will mark a massive leap for Starlink against rivals, including Reliance Jio's proposed LEO constellation of 1, 600 satellites, Amazon Leo, and Eutelsat OneWeb in offering coverage and capacity, experts stated. ET documented on January 27 concerning Starlink's requirement to apply again for Gen 2 constellation authorisation. While SpaceX intends to deploy around 42, 000 satellites for the Gen 2 constellation, it has sought IN-SPACe authorisation for almost 30, 000 satellites.: Musk's Starlink may face curbs on satellite data routing in India The firm can again seek authorisation for further satellites in future. Satellite firms mandatorily require IN-SPACe authorisation for starting services. So far, none of the non-geostationary satellite (NGSO) firms, including Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio's joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES have kicked off commercial services, mainly in the absence of security clearance and spectrum allocation. While the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has given recommendations around pricing for satellite spectrum, the administration is yet to take a final call. On D2D, the regulator is holding consultations and may matter its recommendations in the coming months. Telecom operators in India have long been citing D2D services as a potential threat to their business. They have been pushing for operators to be subject to the same rules as them in case the Centre allows satellite firms to offer mobile connectivity directly to consumers. The US, Canada, and Australia are among countries to adopt rules for supplementing phone coverage through satcom services. While satcom offers massive potential, it additionally creates challenges, particularly for national security, leading the administration to stress on rule compliance by operators besides keeping the capability to check any misuse of space infrastructure. Add Now!

Taken together, the developments around starlink wants to align India's stars again, but there's a twist point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.