New Delhi: Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet startup, is getting closer to its long-awaited commercial debut in India. Work has currently begun on the ground infrastructure that would be needed. Sources say that the business wants to build nine gateway Earth stations in major cities like Mumbai, Noida, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chandigarh.
Authorities have so far allowed Starlink to bring in 100 user terminals to test fixed satellite services. These terminals are subject to strict security rules to make sure they are used properly and not abused.
Indian Workers Will Run Operations for Now
Sources informed that Starlink suggested hiring international expertise to help run these gateway facilities. The Indian government has said, meanwhile, that only Indian citizens can run the stations until the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) gives the all-clear for foreign workers.
There are plans for nine Gateway Earth Stations.
The planned Earth gateway stations will be the main parts of Starlink’s network in India. They will connect low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites with internet systems on the ground. This infrastructure is very important for making high-speed, low-latency satellite broadband available all around the country, especially in areas that are hard to reach and don’t get enough service.
According to the article, Starlink has asked for 600 gigabits per second (Gbps) of bandwidth in India using its first-generation satellite constellation. An official added, “The spectrum has been assigned on a temporary basis for showing compliance with security-related rules.”
Equipment that has been approved for testing only
The government has given Starlink permission to use a small number of tools during the testing phase, such as:
V4 and Mini user terminals
Antennas for gateways
Flat terminals with high performance
Routers from Gen 3
The only reason these devices are allowed is for testing and trial. The infrastructure will be improved for business use after the trials are over and the necessary regulatory permissions are in place.
Starlink can’t offer paid satellite internet services in India till then.
Strict Rules for Data and Security
To protect the privacy of all citizens, all information gathered during security compliance tests must stay in India. The company is also required to:
Stop anyone who don’t have permission from using its equipment.
Give the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and other security authorities monthly updates regarding deployed terminals, including their names, locations, and geographic coordinates.
Officials stressed that these measures are part of a larger national effort to make sure that cybersecurity and sovereignty are followed as global satellite operators grow their business in India.
Next Steps for Launching a Business
After months of regulatory delays and security concerns, Starlink’s progress is a big step forward. India could soon be added to the list of countries that Musk’s global satellite internet network officially serves. The network presently covers over 100 countries.