Starlink nears approval for India operations after DoT license

Elon Musk's Starlink is nearing regulatory approval to offer satellite broadband services in India, having received a letter of intent from the Department of Telecommunications after agreeing to key security conditions. Final clearance now depends on approval from India's space regulator, after which Starlink could receive test spectrum to demonstrate its services. Government officials emphasize that Starlink and similar satellite internet providers are expected to serve mainly remote or hard-to-reach areas, rather than compete with traditional telecom networks for mainstream access. Additionally, Indian officials have pointed out that Starlink's service is likely to be more expensive and slower than conventional providers, with higher installation and monthly costs for consumers. The role of Starlink is thus seen as supplementary, addressing connectivity gaps rather than replacing established networks.