Starlink Readies India Launch with Nine Gateway Stations

SpaceX’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, is taking significant steps toward entering the Indian market, planning nine gateway earth stations across major cities including Mumbai, Noida, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Lucknow. These ground stations are a critical part of Starlink’s preparation to offer satellite internet services across India.

The company has applied for 600 gigabit per second capacity over India using its Gen 1 satellite constellation. According to officials, this capacity has been provisionally assigned to help Starlink demonstrate compliance with national security requirements.

Security Measures and Testing

Given the sensitive nature of satellite communications, the Indian government has imposed strict rules. Starlink has been granted temporary permission to use certain radio frequencies for testing its systems and to import 100 satellite terminals for non-commercial trials.

Key conditions include:

• Only Indian nationals will operate ground stations until foreign staff receive security clearance.

• All test data must remain within India.

• Complete details of equipment and operations must be regularly shared with authorities.

Starlink is now the third company, after OneWeb and Jio Satellite, allowed to conduct such security-focused trials. Full commercial operations cannot begin until security agencies give approval.

Past Concerns Over Unauthorized Devices

Earlier this year, authorities reported illegal Starlink devices being used in border areas like Manipur and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Elon Musk clarified that the reports were false, stating that Starlink beams over India were turned off.

With these steps, Starlink is laying the groundwork for a careful and compliant rollout, balancing innovation in satellite internet with India’s security requirements.