Starlink reapplies for India satellite network license, awaits government decisions

Elon Musk's Starlink has reapplied to India's space regulator, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), for authorization of its second-generation satellite constellation. The new application seeks to deploy close to 30,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, incorporating new capabilities such as direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity.

IN-SPACe had previously rejected Starlink's initial Gen 2 application, citing non-compliance with Indian requirements regarding certain features and spectrum bands. In July 2025, the regulator only authorized Starlink's first-generation constellation, consisting of 4,408 satellites for conventional broadband services.

The reapplication aims to significantly expand Starlink's capacity and coverage in India, potentially offering a competitive edge over rivals like Reliance Jio and Amazon OneWeb. The inclusion of D2D technology, which allows standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, could open up new markets in areas lacking terrestrial mobile networks.

However, Starlink, like other satellite operators, faces delays due to unfinished government decisions. Key hurdles include the finalization of spectrum pricing, with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommending a 4% adjusted gross revenue fee. Additionally, the regulatory framework for D2D services is still under development, and security clearances have been stalled due to national security concerns.

While Starlink holds operational licenses, the launch of its advanced constellation hinges on these pending governmental approvals. The unresolved issues surrounding spectrum allocation, D2D regulations, and security reviews affect all satellite communication providers seeking to operate in India.