Starlink by Elon Musk Nearing Approval for Launch in India

New Delhi: Elon Musk’s Starlink, the innovative satellite internet project, is on the verge of receiving approval from the Indian government, as per sources from Money Control. If all unfolds as expected, the green light could be given as early as next week.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) seems content with Starlink’s clarification on its shareholding pattern, a crucial milestone for regulatory approval. Once approved, Starlink will join the ranks of Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb, becoming the third company licensed to provide satellite communication services in India.

Insiders hint that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) may issue a letter of intent (LoI) to Starlink by Wednesday. However, SpaceX, Elon Musk’s company behind Starlink, has yet to formally comment on these developments.

In the final stages, the DoT is preparing an approval note for Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal and Communications Minister Ashwani Vaishnav. Upon their approval, the Satellite Communications Wing (SCW) of the department will grant the necessary licenses to Starlink, paving the way for the launch of its services in India.

While Mittal is presently in the United States for the PanIIT 2024 Event in Washington DC, Minister Vaishnav is actively participating in the World Economic Forum in Davos. Despite their current engagements, the regulatory processes are anticipated to move swiftly upon their return.

The global anticipation surrounding Starlink’s potential entry into the Indian telecommunications landscape suggests a boost in connectivity and diverse options for consumers. Elon Musk’s project, gaining momentum worldwide, could mark a significant milestone in India’s tech and connectivity sector.