Starlink Gains Indian Approval Amid Security Scrutiny

In a pivotal move, Starlink, the satellite internet venture backed by Elon Musk, has secured the green light for its services in India, marking a significant expansion for the company. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Wednesday provided a Letter of Intent, a crucial step toward offering satellite internet services within the country.

Starlink, launched by SpaceX, aims to deliver high-speed internet through a vast constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Despite the approval, the company must adhere to stringent security protocols mandated by the Indian government, which recently emphasized robust security measures amid regional tensions.

The approval aligns with agreements Starlink has signed with major telecom players like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Although the service is poised to enhance connectivity in remote locations, it will complement rather than compete with existing traditional telecom infrastructure due to its higher costs and operational limitations.

(With inputs from agencies.)