Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has begun mandatory security testing in India, marking a significant step toward its anticipated commercial rollout.
The trials are part of the clearance process required by Indian regulators before Starlink can begin offering broadband services to the public.
According to government officials familiar with the process, the security trials represent one of the final regulatory stages for Starlink’s entry into the Indian market.
The company has already secured provisional approvals from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe).
It now awaits a final pricing framework from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), which will set parameters for satellite broadband services in the country.
Once the framework is issued, Starlink could begin commercial operations as early as 2026.
Starlink is simultaneously setting up infrastructure across the country. It plans to establish ground gateway stations in several major cities, including Mumbai, Noida, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Lucknow.
Three ground stations are already operational in Mumbai, and work is underway to complete at least nine more across India.
These stations will link Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites to the terrestrial network and are essential for obtaining full regulatory clearance.
Security testing is a crucial component of India’s satellite communication licensing process.
Under existing rules, all data transmitted through satellite networks must be routed domestically, and only Indian nationals are allowed to operate the gateway stations until specific security permissions are granted for foreign staff.
Authorities have emphasized that the trials are designed to ensure complete data sovereignty and protect against potential misuse of satellite communications.
Earlier this year, Starlink received provisional spectrum approval from the DoT to conduct limited trials in India.
The company has been allowed to import a restricted number of user terminals for demonstration purposes, though these cannot yet be used for commercial services until security clearances are finalized.
Industry experts view Starlink’s progress as a major development for India’s broadband landscape, particularly in rural and remote regions where terrestrial connectivity remains limited.
The Indian government has been pushing for greater private-sector participation in space-based communication services as part of its broader “Digital India” and “BharatNet” initiatives.
Analysts say Starlink’s entry could complement these programs by extending high-speed connectivity to underserved areas.
However, challenges remain. Starlink will need to balance affordability and scalability in a market known for having some of the lowest data prices in the world.
The company will also face competition from Bharti-backed OneWeb, Reliance Jio’s satellite venture with Luxembourg-based SES, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which are also preparing to enter the Indian market.
Government officials have underscored that strict security and compliance requirements will continue to apply to all satellite operators.
This includes mandatory registration of network equipment, local data storage, and real-time sharing of operational details with Indian authorities.
With security trials underway and regulatory discussions advancing, Starlink’s long-awaited commercial debut in India appears closer than ever.
The company’s performance during these trials, along with its ability to meet India’s rigorous security and pricing standards, will determine how quickly it can transition from testing to nationwide service.