Starlink renews bid for India satellite licence with D2D services
Starlink has filed a fresh application with India's space regulator to deploy its satellite network, including direct-to-device services.
Elon Musk's Starlink has submitted a fresh application to India's space regulator seeking approval to operate its satellite constellation in the country. The new filing also covers direct-to-device connectivity, a service that allows standard smartphones to link with satellites without additional hardware.
The development was reported by the Economic Times on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The application marks another attempt by the company to enter the Indian market, where it has faced regulatory hurdles in the past.
Direct-to-device technology is seen as a significant growth area in satellite communications, particularly for reaching users in remote and underserved regions. India's regulatory framework for such services has been evolving, and the government has been working on spectrum allocation rules for satellite broadband.
Starlink's renewed push comes amid growing competition in India's satellite broadband space, with domestic and international players vying for a share of the market. The company's application will now be reviewed by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), which oversees private space activities in the country.
No timeline has been given for a decision on the application, and the company has not publicly commented on the filing.