New Delhi, June 6: Elon Musk's satellite internet venture, Starlink, has received approval from the Indian government to launch its services under the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license.
In addition to GMPCS, Starlink has also been granted licenses for VSAT services and ISP Category-A under the Unified License framework.
With this approval, Starlink becomes the third company in India authorized to provide GMPCS services, following OneWeb and Reliance Jio. The license allows the company to offer mobile communication services through satellites, especially benefiting remote and underserved areas where traditional telecom infrastructure is either lacking or difficult to deploy.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) clarified that GMPCS services involve the use of satellite terminals to provide seamless, secure, and globally compliant mobile connectivity. License holders must adhere to strict standards regarding data privacy, lawful interception, and satellite transmission protocols.
Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia stated on Thursday that spectrum allocation would follow the licensing process. He emphasized the critical role satellite-based services will play in boosting internet penetration in hard-to-reach regions where traditional methods like fiber and towers are not viable.
Starlink is also forging strong ties with Indian telecom giants Airtel and Reliance Jio, leveraging their extensive dealership networks to promote and distribute its high-speed satellite internet offerings.
In April, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with a Starlink delegation. Their discussions focused on the company’s advanced technology, existing partnerships in India, and its future investment roadmap. Goyal later highlighted the meeting on social media, noting the significance of Starlink’s plans for the Indian market.
With regulatory clearance now in place, Starlink is expected to play a transformative role in India’s digital inclusion efforts, particularly in rural and geographically challenging areas.
(With agency inputs)
