Elon Musk‘s Starlink has finally received its unified license from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), marking a breakthrough moment for satellite internet in the world’s most populous country. The approval comes with strict data localization requirements and security conditions that set the framework for all satellite operators.
Key License Requirements
The DoT granted the Unified License (UL) with mandatory establishment of earth station gateways in India for providing satellite-based communication services. Most importantly, Starlink will store all user data within India and provide access to intelligence agencies when required, ensuring compliance with national security protocols.
| License Details | Information |
|---|---|
| License Type | Unified License (UL) from DoT |
| Date Granted | June 6, 2025 |
| Data Storage | Mandatory India-based localization |
| Security Access | Intelligence agencies on demand |
| Expected Launch | Within 12 months |
| Pricing | ₹3,000/month, ₹33,000 setup cost |
Regulatory Journey Complete
Starlink’s regulatory journey reached a crucial milestone with the June issuance of its Unified License, followed by a five-year operational authorization from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre. This makes Starlink the third player to receive authorization from IN-SPACe, joining OneWeb India (2023) and Jio Platforms.
What This Means for Indian Users
The service is expected to begin operations within the next 12 months, with pricing at ₹3,000 monthly and ₹33,000 setup cost. This positions Starlink as a premium alternative to traditional broadband, especially valuable for remote and underserved areas.
Security Firewalls in Place
The license includes strict conditions: no data mirroring abroad, no offshore routing, and mandatory Indian gateways. These “firewall” measures ensure that all user traffic remains within India’s sovereign control.
With regulatory approval in place, Starlink will still need spectrum assignment and to operationalize its Indian gateways before commercial launch. The company’s compliance with India’s data sovereignty requirements sets a precedent for other international satellite operators.
For more tech industry updates, visit Tech2Sports and follow official announcements on Starlink’s website.
FAQs
When will Starlink launch in India?
Starlink is expected to begin commercial operations within the next 12 months after receiving its unified license.
What are the main restrictions on Starlink’s India operations?
Starlink must store all data in India, provide intelligence access on demand, and route traffic through Indian gateways only.
