Elon Musk’s Starlink has just scored a big win in India. The Department of Telecom (DoT) has reportedly issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to SpaceX, clearing a major hurdle for the satellite internet service to officially begin operations in the country. While the final licence is still pending, it’s now just a matter of Starlink meeting all the required conditions before rollout.
Once approved, Starlink’s arrival could shake up India’s internet game—especially in rural and remote regions where broadband coverage still lags behind. And it looks like major telcos are already onboard.
Why the sudden green light? Trade talks could be in play
According to a Washington Post report, India’s fast-track approval of Starlink could be more than just about tech. It might be a strategic move to smoothen ongoing trade negotiations with the US. Sources claim that while Starlink isn’t a formal part of the talks, it’s being seen as a “lubricant” that could ease broader discussions.
And there's serious money on the table. Even if SpaceX captures just 1% of India’s broadband market, it could rake in close to $1 billion annually. With billions of users and rising digital demand, India’s market is a goldmine for satellite internet providers looking to scale.
Airtel and Jio are already in on the action
Back in March 2025, Jio and Airtel announced partnerships with Starlink, contingent on regulatory approval. With the LoI now secured, those plans are moving full steam ahead. Jio is expected to offer Starlink services via its online platforms and stores, while Airtel may bundle Starlink into its business offerings and even sell equipment through retail outlets.
Both telecom giants also plan to integrate Starlink tech to reach rural schools, hospitals, and underserved areas. Airtel is reportedly exploring ways for SpaceX to use its existing telecom infrastructure too—making this more of a two-way partnership than just a distribution deal.
What Starlink’s bringing to India
Starlink uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to beam high-speed internet across the globe—especially in areas where fibre and cable can’t reach. In India, it’s expected to offer speeds between 25–220 Mbps for downloads and 5–20 Mbps for uploads, with latency ranging from 25–50 milliseconds.
The service is already live in several countries and just launched in Brazil earlier this week. With India now officially on the map, Starlink could be a game-changer for internet access in hard-to-reach parts of the country.
