Starlink Says It Is Ready for India, but Approvals Remain

Starlink says it is ready to provide satellite internet in India, but commercial service cannot begin until outstanding regulatory and security requirements are met, including spectrum assignment, according to government statements. The company said on October 16 that it had worked with Indian regulators, industry and operators for five years and built dedicated systems, gateways and other infrastructure in the country with the required government approvals. Its post on X said the network was designed to serve Indian traffic and that Starlink was ready to connect the country with high-speed internet. Those preparations and approvals are the company’s account; the reports do not independently verify them. Reliance Industries welcomed competition in satellite communications, including from Starlink, while saying all operators must comply with Indian laws and policies. It said the same process applies to foreign and Indian applicants and noted that Jio’s own satellite services were also awaiting clearances. Reliance described competition as a test of which provider serves customers best. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said Starlink, Reliance’s Jio Satcom and...