High-speed satellite internet coming soon to India: IN-SPACe chief says Starlink to get final approval in few days

IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) was set up in June 2020 by the Department of Space. It acts as a single-window agency to regulate and support private space companies in India.

Elon Musk’s company SpaceX is getting ready to start its Starlink satellite internet service in India very soon. According to Dr. Pawan Goenka, head of India’s space regulator IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center), most of the paperwork and licensing for Starlink is nearly done. Only a few final approvals are left, which should be completed in the next few days.

Recently, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell visited India and met with Dr. Goenka. They discussed the remaining issues related to the launch of Starlink in the country.

However, Dr. Goenka also said that even after getting approval, it will take a few more months to actually start the service. He explained that some technical and process-related steps still need to be finished before Starlink can be launched. He shared all of this in an interview with NDTV.

Starlink launch soon in India: What you need to know in 6 simple Q&As

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has received a license from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to operate Starlink satellite internet services in the country. Now, only the final approval from IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) is awaited.

Starlink is the third company to get the license for satellite internet in India. Before this, OneWeb and Reliance Jio were already approved.

According to media reports, Starlink may offer unlimited internet plans starting at just Rs. 840/month. However, this hasn’t been confirmed by the company yet.

Here are 6 key questions and answers about Starlink in India:

Q1: What is Starlink and why is it special?

• Starlink is a satellite-based high-speed internet service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
•  Its satellites fly in low Earth orbit, which gives faster and smoother internet.
•  It’s especially helpful for remote areas like villages or mountains where regular broadband can’t reach.

Q2: How much will Starlink internet cost in India?

As per The Economic Times, Starlink may launch with a promotional plan of USD 10/month (around Rs. 840).

 The plan is said to offer unlimited data, but official pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet.

 Q3: Why did it take so long for Starlink to get a license in India?

• Starlink has been trying to enter India since 2022.
• There were security concerns, including data protection and call monitoring.
• After agreeing to India’s conditions, Starlink received a Letter of Intent in May 2025, followed by the license.

 Q4: How will it help common people?

Starlink can bring fast internet to rural and far-flung areas, enabling: Online education, telemedicine services Support for small businesses.

It will also increase competition in the telecom market, which may lead to cheaper and better plans for everyone.

Q5: What is Starlink’s next step in India?

 Starlink still needs final approval from IN-SPACe and access to spectrum (radio frequencies needed for satellite signals).

It may receive trial spectrum in the next 15–20 days.

Once that happens, commercial services can begin soon after.

Q6: Why is India important for Elon Musk?

 India is the second-largest internet market in the world.

Getting a license here is a major win for Musk, especially at a time when his ties with Donald Trump in the U.S. are tense.

If U.S. government contracts are at risk, India could become a huge alternative market for SpaceX and Starlink.

 How Does Starlink Satellite Internet Work?

• Starlink uses satellites to beam internet signals directly to users, no matter how remote the location.
• These satellites are placed in low Earth orbit (LEO) to ensure fast speeds and low delay (latency).
• Latency is the time it takes for data to travel between your device and the internet — lower is better.

What is in the Starlink Kit?

• A Starlink Dish (antenna)
• A Wi-Fi router
• Power cables
• A mounting tripod

To get the best speed, the dish must be placed under an open sky (no trees or walls blocking the view).

The Starlink app, available on iOS and Android, helps with setup and signal monitoring.

What is IN-SPACe and why does it matter?

IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) was set up in June 2020 by the Department of Space. It acts as a single-window agency to regulate and support private space companies in India. IN-SPACe handles licensing, helps share space infrastructure, and promotes space-based services like satellite internet.