New Delhi, October 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Elon Musk-led satellite communications company Starlink is ready to begin operations in India and expects to receive the remaining government approvals soon, a senior company executive said on Wednesday.
Speaking at India Mobile Congress 2026, Starlink Business Operations Vice President Lauren Dreyer said the company had developed its India operations with the country’s security requirements and regulatory framework in mind.
“We have built our Starlink operations specifically for India in recognition of Indian security requirements and other regulations, establishing controls at every layer for India and keeping Indian user data within India,” Dreyer said.
She said Starlink had already invested in ground infrastructure in India, including 20 gateway sites comprising hundreds of antennas, and had established the operational systems required to serve Indian customers.
“Hopefully, next time I address the Congress, the government’s work will be complete, and Starlink will be authorised and ready,” Dreyer said.
According to Dreyer, Starlink has spent the past five years preparing for the Indian market and engaging with regulators. The company has also entered into Memorandums of Understanding with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio as part of its preparations to provide services in the country.
Dreyer said India had achieved connectivity at scale through affordable data and a rapidly expanding digital economy, but connecting the last mile remained a major challenge.
She said Starlink could help accelerate efforts towards achieving 100 per cent connectivity across India.
Starlink is currently awaiting security clearance from the Indian government and approval related to foreign direct investment. The company has already secured clearances from IN-SPACe and obtained the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite licence.
“We are standing ready to serve India once India is ready,” Dreyer said, adding that the company was prepared to work with the government, telecom operators and industry to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of universal connectivity.
Dreyer also highlighted Starlink’s engagement with India’s space sector. She said SpaceX and India had been working together and pointed to the company’s role in transporting Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to and from the International Space Station.
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