Satellite Spectrum Saga: Starlink's Intriguing Journey in India

Starlink, the satellite internet provider led by Elon Musk, has faced a winding path in its quest to establish presence in India. Initially challenged by regulatory hurdles in 2021, when the Department of Telecom asked the company to stop pre-bookings, the situation has evolved significantly with telecom industry stakeholders weighing in on infrastructure decisions.

Efforts to create a framework for satellite spectrum allocation gathered momentum in late 2024, with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) initiating consultations. In a turn of events at the India Mobile Conference, influential figures debated the merits of spectrum auctioning versus administrative allocation, with both the telecom minister and industry leaders providing differing viewpoints.

The landscape transformed further in 2025 as major telecom players like Bharti Airtel and Jio Platforms entered agreements with SpaceX to offer Starlink's high-speed internet in India. This competitive dynamic continues to unfold alongside regulatory measures and concerns about data privacy and security.

(With inputs from agencies.)