Starlink Clears Key IN–SPACe Hurdle, Spectrum Test Next In Line

Starlink has completed a major step in its efforts to launch satellite internet services in India.

According to senior officials in the Department of Telecommunications and company sources, the firm has cleared all compliance requirements under the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre framework — a key regulatory checkpoint.

The company formally submitted its acceptance of the IN–SPACe authorisation letter on Friday and has agreed to all conditions laid out in the final draft. This approval process is handled by In-Space, which is India's designated agency for clearing private space and satellite projects.

The formal signing of the IN–SPACe authorisation letter is expected to take place this week. Starlink’s global licencing head, Parnil Urdhwareshe, is currently in India and is holding meetings with senior DoT officials to complete the final steps of the approval process.

This IN–SPACe clearance is significant because it brings Starlink closer to officially beginning its operations in India. The company already holds a unified licence from the DoT, which permits it to offer telecom services in the country. It has also partnered with Airtel and Jio for the distribution of its satellite internet products.

The next step for Starlink will be to apply for test spectrum, which is needed to begin technical trials in India. While the company has not yet submitted a formal request, sources say that application is expected soon.

Test spectrum is a temporary frequency allotment that allows telecom or satellite companies to run trials of their services before a full commercial launch. It helps test performance, coverage and safety of the service in Indian conditions.

Once Starlink receives the test spectrum, it can begin ground trials — an important precursor to offering satellite broadband services to users, especially in remote or rural areas where conventional internet access is limited.

With IN–SPACe approval in hand and test spectrum application on the horizon, Starlink appears to be closing in on its long-awaited India debut.