ET Exclusive: Elon Musk's Starlink reapplies for India approval of satellite network with direct-to-device tech

New Delhi: Starlink has renewed efforts to offer satellite communication services in India, resubmitting an application to the space regulator seeking approval for a Gen 2 constellation that delivers the latest technologies, including direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, people aware of the details told ET.

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) rejected an earlier application by the Elon Musk-owned company for the 30,000-satellite internet constellation a few years ago due to non-conformity of certain features and spectrum bands.

Also read: India plans safe space for local satellite communications players

"The company has recently applied to get authorisation for its Gen 2 constellation... at an altitude of 340-615 km in low earth orbit (LEO)," said a person privy to details, on condition of anonymity as details are not public.

The world's largest LEO satellite operator remains bullish on the Indian satcom market, which is at a nascent stage but offers huge potential. The company, operated by SpaceX, originally applied for Gen 1 and 2 constellations for starting services in the country.

However, IN-SPACe approved only the Gen 1 constellation, which offers traditional broadband services through its 4,408 LEO satellites, in July 2025.

Direct-to-device tech imminent

SpaceX and IN-SPACe didn't respond to queries.

India may soon allow features such as D2D while opening more spectrum bands for satcom, which prompted Starlink to reapply. If approved, this will mark a huge leap for Starlink against rivals, including Reliance Jio's proposed LEO constellation of 1,600 satellites, Amazon Leo, and Eutelsat OneWeb in offering coverage and capacity, experts said.

ET reported on January 27 about Starlink's requirement to apply again for Gen 2 constellation authorisation. While SpaceX plans to deploy around 42,000 satellites for the Gen 2 constellation, it has sought IN-SPACe authorisation for nearly 30,000 satellites.

Also read: Musk's Starlink may face curbs on satellite data routing in India

The company can again seek authorisation for additional satellites in future. Satellite firms mandatorily require IN-SPACe authorisation for starting services. So far, none of the non-geostationary satellite (NGSO) companies, including Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio's joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES have started commercial services, mainly in the absence of security clearance and spectrum allocation.

While the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has given recommendations around pricing for satellite spectrum, the government is yet to take a final call. On D2D, the regulator is holding consultations and may issue its recommendations in the coming months.

Telecom operators in India have long been citing D2D services as a potential threat to their business. They have been pushing for operators to be subject to the same rules as them in case the Centre allows satellite firms to offer mobile connectivity directly to consumers.

The US, Canada, and Australia are among countries to adopt rules for supplementing phone coverage through satcom services. While satcom offers huge potential, it also creates challenges, particularly for national security, leading the government to stress on rule compliance by operators besides keeping the capability to check any misuse of space infrastructure.