Security evaluation is a mandatory step for any foreign or domestic telecom operator in India. Starlink's tests are part of the government approval process before the company will be allowed to beam data into the country.
Highlights
Starlink has requested permission to use around 600Gbps of bandwidth
This spectrum has been allotted for security compliance demo.
Starlink is testing technology and data transmission systems
The wait for high-speed satellite internet in India may soon be over. Elon Musk's company, SpaceX, is preparing to launch its satellite broadband project, Starlink, in India. The company has begun its security testing phase in the country, a necessary process before launching commercial service. If everything goes according to plan and regulatory approvals are received on time, Starlink could launch its satellite internet service in India by early 2026.
Citing government sources, ET reports that Starlink has requested permission to use approximately 600Gbps of bandwidth through its Gen 1 satellite constellation in India. Currently, this spectrum has been provisionally allocated for security compliance demonstrations. This means the company is now testing its technology and data transmission systems under the supervision of government security agencies.
Security evaluation is a mandatory step for any foreign or domestic telecom operator in India. Starlink 's tests are part of the government approval process, which will allow the company to beam data into the country. Reports suggest that the completion of these tests could expedite Starlink's process of obtaining an operational license.
Meanwhile, a Bloomberg report states that Starlink could launch its service online as soon as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) finalizes satellite service pricing guidelines , which are expected by the end of the year. This means the countdown to Starlink's India launch has already begun.
The company's preparations are also quite advanced. SpaceX has reportedly completed three ground stations in Mumbai, which will serve as Starlink's local control hubs in India. A team of government officials will soon conduct an on-site inspection of these stations. If approved, Starlink could begin beaming signals across the country within the next few months.
