Starlink Set to Join Airtel and Jio as Telecom Minister Confirms India License Approval marks a major milestone for satellite internet in India. On June 6, 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) officially gave Starlink the green light to offer its low-Earth orbit (LEO) broadband service across India. This move makes Starlink the third licensed satellite internet provider in the country, alongside Airtel and Reliance Jio.
This announcement is a big deal because nearly 40% of India’s 1.4 billion people still struggle to get fast, reliable internet—especially in rural, mountainous, and tribal areas. With Starlink’s network of thousands of small satellites, users in remote corners can finally enjoy speeds up to 200 Mbps and latency as low as 40 ms.
Starlink Set to Join Airtel and Jio as Telecom Minister
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Licence Date | June 6, 2025 |
| Issuing Authority | Department of Telecommunications, India (https://dot.gov.in) |
| Service Scope | LEO satellite broadband across India |
| Key Partners | Airtel (https://www.airtel.in), Reliance Jio (https://www.jio.com) |
| Target Regions | Rural, mountainous, desert, and remote tribal areas (≈40% population underserved) |
| Market Projection | USD 1.9 billion by 2030 |
| Estimated Speed & Latency | Up to 200 Mbps downstream, 40–60 ms latency |
| Estimated Pricing | Hardware ~₹60,000 one-time; monthly ₹1,500–₹2,500 (subject to DoT approval) |
| Official Website | https://www.starlink.com |
Why This License Matters
Imagine living in a village nestled in the Himalayas or on a remote island in the Andamans. Laying fiber cable is slow, expensive, and often impossible. That’s where satellite internet shines:
- Digital Inclusion: Brings high-speed internet to schools, clinics, and homes that never had it before.
- Business Continuity: Mines, oil rigs, and research stations get a backup link if local networks fail.
- Disaster Response: In floods or earthquakes, emergency teams can set up Starlink terminals and stay connected.
By partnering with Airtel and Jio, Starlink will use their massive retail networks and customer-support teams to sell equipment, handle billing, and offer local service.
How Starlink Got Licensed in India
Starlink’s journey wasn’t instant. Here’s a simplified timeline:
- Mid-2022: SpaceX (Starlink’s parent) applies for a licence.
- Late-2023: DoT asks detailed questions about security, spectrum, and interference.
- February 2025: Elon Musk meets Prime Minister Modi to discuss terms.
- March 2025: Retail pacts signed with Airtel and Jio.
- June 6, 2025: Licence officially granted.
Licence Conditions
- Spectrum Trials: Temporary Ka- and Ku-band frequencies for six months of testing.
- ISRO NOC: A No Objection Certificate from India’s space agency for using space segments.
- GMPCS Security Audits: Encryption standards, data-localization, and regular inspections.
- Pilot Rollout: Initial tests in select regions before pan-India scaling.
Each stage needs test reports and government signoffs, which typically take 2–3 months per step.
Partnering with Airtel and Jio
Airtel Collaboration
- Retail Network: Over 10,000 outlets across India will sell Starlink kits and pre-paid data cards.
- Customer Support: Airtel teams handle onboarding, billing, and basic troubleshooting.
- Bundled Plans: Future combos may include Airtel’s Hotstar, Netflix, or Wynk Music.
Jio Collaboration
- Hybrid Connectivity: Jio’s 5G core network will automatically switch to Starlink in areas with no terrestrial signal.
- Edge Computing: Jio Cloud plans to deploy small data centers at Starlink ground stations for low-latency applications.
- Rural e-Commerce: JioMart tie-ups let farmers list products online in real time.
Starlink Set to Join Airtel and Jio as Telecom Minister Guide to Getting Starlink
Step 1: Pre-Registration and Ordering
- Visit https://www.starlink.com and select India.
- Enter Your PIN Code to check if your area is in the pilot phase.
- Place Your Order for the Starlink Kit:
- Hardware: Dish, router, cables
- Estimated Cost: ₹60,000 (one-time)
- Monthly Plan: ₹1,500–₹2,500
- Get Delivery ETA once spectrum trials are approved.
Step 2: Spectrum Tests and Certifications
- Field Trials: DoT and Starlink teams set up equipment to test signal strength and speeds.
- ISRO Approval: Space segment sign-off, orbital coordination, and debris compliance.
- Security Checks: GMPCS audits by CERT-In and DoT for encryption and data-storage rules.
Step 3: Self-Installation and Setup
- Mount the Dish on a roof or pole with a clear sky view.
- Connect Power: Plug into 12 V DC or use an inverter/UPS in areas with unstable electricity.
- Use the App: Starlink’s mobile app guides you to align the dish with on-screen AR markers.
- Activate Service: Register online, choose your plan, and start surfing at up to 200 Mbps!
Step 4: Ongoing Service and Upgrades
- Local Support: Airtel/Jio helplines handle billing questions, warranty claims, and basic fixes.
- Firmware Updates: SpaceX sends over-the-air updates every 4–6 weeks to improve performance.
- Future Add-Ons: Static IPs, premium service levels, and dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Technical Snapshot: Why LEO Matters
| Feature | LEO (Starlink) | GEO (Traditional) |
|---|---|---|
| Orbit Height | 550–600 km | 35,786 km |
| Latency | 40–60 ms | 500–700 ms |
| Download Speed | Up to 200 Mbps | 10–50 Mbps |
| Signal Impact | Some rain fade | Heavy rain fade |
| Ideal For | Gaming, calls | Broadcasting, backup |
Because Starlink orbits much closer to Earth, it delivers faster response times, making video calls, online gaming, and real-time data transfer possible—even in remote areas.
Environmental Impact & Sustainability
- Space Debris: Starlink satellites are programmed to deorbit and burn up within five years of retirement.
- Collision Avoidance: Onboard sensors automatically dodge debris and other spacecraft.
- Light Pollution: “VisorSat” designs reduce reflectivity, making satellites less visible to astronomers.
- Carbon Footprint: Launch emissions are significant, but trenching fiber in mountains can emit more CO₂ per kilometer.
Security & Privacy
- Encryption: All user data is encrypted end-to-end using AES-256.
- Local Data Storage: Connection logs stay onshore in secure Indian data centers.
- Lawful Interception: Capabilities exist under Indian law, but require due legal process.
- No Content Scanning: Starlink does not inspect the content of your communications.
Economic and Social Benefits
Education and Healthcare
- Tele-Education: Remote schools can stream live classes, access global resources, and reduce learning gaps.
- Tele-Medicine: Village clinics connect with city hospitals for real-time consultations, improving patient care.
Jobs and Growth
- Local Employment: New roles in installation, maintenance, and customer support emerge in underserved areas.
- Digital Markets: Artisans and farmers can sell goods online, access market prices, and use digital payments.
Disaster Relief
- Quick Deployment: Portable Starlink units can restore connectivity in disaster zones within hours.
- Command Centers: NGOs and authorities can set up temporary hubs with reliable internet.
Case Study: Himalayan Village School
- Location: Remote Uttarkashi village, Uttarakhand
- Problem: No reliable internet meant kids missed online lessons.
- Solution: Starlink pilot gave 100 Mbps speeds and 50 ms latency.
- Impact:
- Attendance rose by 20% as students joined live classes.
- Teacher Training: Local teachers completed 30 hours of online courses.
- Community Effort: Villagers formed a co-op to maintain the system and share costs.
Comparing LEO Providers in India
| Provider | Satellites | Latency | Speed | India Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink | 6,750+ | 40–60 ms | Up to 200 Mbps | Licence granted |
| OneWeb | ~648 | 100–150 ms | 50–100 Mbps | Operating (Airtel tie-up) |
| Kuiper | 3,236 planned | ~70 ms | ~100 Mbps | Licence pending |
| Eutelsat | 12 GEO sats | 600–700 ms | 10–30 Mbps | Licence granted |
Each option has trade-offs: Starlink leads in speed and latency, OneWeb and GEO providers cover specific niches, and Amazon Kuiper waits in the wings.
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Future Roadmap & Innovations
- Laser Links: Inter-satellite lasers will cut down ground-station reliance and reduce latency further.
- Maritime & Aviation: Trials with ships and airlines aim to bring Starlink connectivity to sea and sky.
- 5G Hybrid: Seamless handoff between terrestrial 5G and Starlink for uninterrupted mobile broadband.
- Enterprise SLAs: Dedicated service levels with guaranteed uptime, static IPs, and premium support.
- Edge Computing: Micro data centers at ground gateways for AI, IoT, and AR/VR applications.
Elon Musk’s Starlink has officially secured a licence from the Indian government to launch satellite internet services, marking a significant milestone in the country’s telecom landscape. After a three-year wait since its initial application in 2022, Starlink is now the third… https://t.co/JC9dABaTAO
— Tech News (@TechnicalNewsHQ) June 6, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which regions will see Starlink first?
Trials start in Himalayan areas (Uttarakhand, North-East), deserts (Rajasthan), and tribal regions with low fiber coverage.
Q2: What will Starlink cost?
Estimates: ~₹60,000 one-time hardware fee and ₹1,500–₹2,500 per month, pending DoT approval.
Q3: Can I keep my current broadband plan?
Yes. You can set up a dual-WAN router so Starlink kicks in if your regular connection drops.
Q4: Is data unlimited?
Globally, Starlink offers unlimited data with a fair-usage policy. India’s DoT may set local caps.
Q5: What about bad weather?
Heavy rain or snow can weaken the signal, but built-in heaters and self-aligning dishes reduce outages.
Q6: Who handles disputes?
Service complaints go to TDSAT (Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal); DoT enforces licence terms.
