Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink has officially received approval from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to begin high-speed satellite internet trials in India. According to a Moneycontrol report, the telecom department has allotted provisional spectrum for six months, allowing the company to test its services before a commercial launch.

Starlink to Set Up 10 Base Stations in India

As part of the trial, Starlink will establish 10 ground base stations across India, with Mumbai serving as the main hub. The company has also sought licenses to import equipment, including landing station hardware, which connects satellite signals to terrestrial internet networks.

Strict Security Conditions by the Indian Government

The Indian government has laid down stringent security requirements for Starlink. The company will be required to:

• Store all user data within India
• Provide data access to intelligence agencies when needed
• Submit detailed user terminal information (name, address, location) to DoT
• File a complete report after trial completion

Only after meeting these compliance standards can Starlink move forward with its official launch in India.

How Starlink Satellite Internet Works

Starlink’s network of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites beams internet signals directly to user terminals, providing high-speed, low-latency internet even in remote or rural regions. Latency refers to the time data takes to travel from one point to another, and Starlink’s technology significantly reduces this delay compared to traditional satellite internet.

The Starlink Kit includes:

• A Starlink Dish
• A Wi-Fi router
• Power supply cables
• A mounting tripod

For optimal connectivity, the dish must be placed under an open sky. Starlink also offers an official mobile app (iOS & Android) to help users with setup and performance monitoring.

Why Starlink Matters for India

With millions of people in rural and underserved areas still lacking reliable broadband access, Starlink’s entry could be a game-changer for India’s digital inclusion. By bypassing traditional fiber infrastructure, satellite internet can deliver connectivity to regions where laying cables is impractical or too costly.