Starlink builds 20 gateway sites in India, says user data will stay in country

Elon Musk-led satellite communications company Starlink has built 20 gateway sites in India and developed India-specific security controls, keeping Indian users’ data within the country, Starlink Business Operations vice president Lauren Dreyer said at India Mobile Congress 2026.

Starlink has already invested in the ground infrastructure needed to begin operations in India, including the 20 gateway sites equipped with hundreds of antennas, Dreyer said, as per an ANI report.

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The company has also established local operations and security controls across its systems to meet Indian requirements.

The infrastructure push comes as Starlink prepares to enter India’s satellite communications market after working with regulators, telecom operators and other industry stakeholders for about five years.

The government has granted licences to three satellite communications companies, including Starlink, to provide services in the country.

“We've built our Starlink operations specifically for India in recognition of Indian security requirements and other regulations,” Dreyer said in the report, adding that the company was keeping Indian user data within India.

The Starlink executive said the company had worked to adapt its operations to Indian regulations and security requirements at every layer.

She also highlighted the scale of India’s digital infrastructure and adoption, describing the country’s digital progress as “extraordinary”.

Also Read: Starlink would help the 'least served' in India: Elon Musk

Starlink’s India push is part of SpaceX’s broader expansion across satellite connectivity and space technology. Dreyer highlighted the company’s reusable Falcon 9 rockets and next-generation Starship launch vehicle, which she said incorporated lessons from Falcon 9’s development and had reached orbit.

SpaceX is also building artificial intelligence computing capacity at scale, including longer-term plans for computing infrastructure in orbit, while Starlink is focused on extending high-speed connectivity to areas that conventional telecom infrastructure has struggled to reach.