Starlink has reapplied to India's space regulator for approval to deploy its second-generation satellite constellation, reviving its push to offer satellite communication services in the country. According to The Economic Times, the fresh application seeks authorisation for nearly 30,000 satellites in low Earth orbit at an altitude of 340-615 km, and includes newer capabilities such as direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity. The new application comes as India works on rules for newer satellite communication services, with the technology allowing compatible mobile phones and other devices to connect directly with satellites, potentially extending coverage to areas where conventional mobile networks are weak or unavailable.
India presents a digital connectivity opportunity worth ₹1 trillion at a conservative estimate, primarily through satellite communication services, according to Broadband India Forum (BIF) President TV Ramachandran. Speaking at the 10th edition of India Satcom 2026, Ramachandran revealed that around 50 crore people in rural India are still not connected to broadband, with terrestrial networks failing to reach these remote areas. The current opportunity is estimated at at least ₹1 trillion per annum, as these unconnected populations can be largely served by satellite services. As per BIF analysis of data published by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), the present challenge lies in the viability of launching and reaching networks in agricultural fields, where 60 to 70 per cent of the country's population depends on agriculture.
D2D could allow Starlink to provide connectivity directly to mobile phones without requiring a dedicated satellite terminal at the user's end, opening up a potentially much larger market than traditional satellite broadband, particularly in remote and poorly connected parts of the country. The technology works by allowing compatible mobile phones and devices to connect to satellites without requiring extra equipment such as a satellite dish or special dongle. In areas without mobile network coverage, a satellite can provide the connection directly, bypassing the need for nearby mobile towers. However, Indian telecom operators have argued that satellite companies offering direct mobile connectivity should be subject to rules comparable to those applicable to terrestrial telecom operators, while raising concerns about the competitive impact of satellite-based mobile services. India is yet to finalise its regulatory framework for D2D services, with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) considering the issue while the government works on spectrum bands and other rules that would govern such services.
The satellite connectivity market in India is becoming increasingly competitive, with Reliance Jio proposing a low Earth orbit constellation of about 1,600 satellites, while Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb is also seeking to establish satellite broadband services. Amazon's satellite venture is another major global player looking to enter the market. Starlink already has an important regulatory milestone in India, as in July 2025, IN-SPACe approved its Gen 1 constellation allowing the company to pursue traditional broadband-from-space services, though satellite operators still need to clear other regulatory and operational requirements before commercial services can begin. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) had previously rejected an earlier application by Starlink for the 30,000-satellite internet constellation due to non-conformity of certain features and spectrum bands.
More than four years after India handed out the first licence for satellite internet services, their commercial launch is stuck over security concerns and lack of trust around foreign satellite operators. The government is concerned that satellite operators may bypass Indian gateways and route internet traffic through facilities in other countries, despite operators clarifying to law enforcement agencies that they have the technology to ensure Indian gateways are not bypassed. Operators have completed security trials, modified their systems to comply with Indian requirements and given undertakings on compliance, but over the past few months, there has been no reference from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on approval status or spectrum assignment. A government official close to the discussions said the go-ahead has to come from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the home affairs ministry, with law enforcement agencies expressing the view that permission should not be granted unless India has control over these satellite systems.
