Summary:
India’s satellite broadband rollout continues to face delays as regulatory and security reviews hold back final approvals for operators such as Starlink. Despite obtaining a GMPCS licence and operating in over 160 countries, Starlink is still awaiting clearance in India. The latest delay stems from a Ministry of Home Affairs review of potential signal spillage risks affecting satellite communication networks, including Starlink, OneWeb, and Jio-SES. Authorities are assessing possible national security concerns, particularly around border regions and the risk of cyber threats to critical infrastructure, as India maintains a cautious approach to satellite broadband deployment.
India’s ambitions to roll out satellite broadband services have encountered another delay as regulatory and security reviews continue to hold back approvals for operators such as Starlink. Although the SpaceX-owned company has been seeking to launch services in India for several years and has already secured a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence, it is still awaiting final government clearance. While satellite internet services are already operational in many countries worldwide, India’s approval process has remained prolonged due to ongoing regulatory and national security considerations.
The latest hurdle involves a review by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) concerning potential signal spillage issues associated with satellite communication networks. The assessment covers not only Starlink but also other satellite broadband providers, including OneWeb and Reliance-backed Jio-SES. Authorities are examining whether satellite signals extending beyond intended coverage areas could create security vulnerabilities.
According to government officials familiar with the matter, national security remains a key concern, particularly in relation to signal leakage near international borders. The review is focused on evaluating potential risks, including the possibility of remote cyber intrusions that could impact critical defence infrastructure and strategic assets.
Despite Starlink currently operating in more than 160 countries, the company has yet to receive final approval to begin services in India. While many nations have already established frameworks for spectrum allocation and satellite broadband deployment, India continues to adopt a more cautious approach, prioritising security assessments and regulatory compliance before allowing commercial rollout of such services.
