IN-SPACe rejected Starlink’s Gen2 constellation over spectrum issues but is now willing to review its D2D ambitions amid regulatory uncertainty.
Elon Musk’s Starlink will need to resubmit its application to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) if it hopes to launch direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services in India. The earlier application for its Gen2 satellite constellation—which supports D2D—was rejected over spectrum restrictions, but officials now say they’re open to a fresh review, according to Economic Times.
High-Frequency Trouble for Gen2
At the core of the delay is spectrum policy. IN-SPACe previously rejected Starlink’s Gen2 constellation as it operates in higher frequency bands, some of which are not permitted under Indian law. Only Gen1 has received clearance so far, allowing Starlink to offer traditional broadband via 4,408 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites delivering 600 Gbps nationwide.
“We were evaluating based on the market and regulatory environment at the time. D2D wasn’t a factor then,” an official said.
Now that D2D is gaining traction globally, IN-SPACe is willing to reconsider—if Starlink reapplies.
D2D: Next-Gen Tech, Murky Rules
Direct-to-device connectivity enables satellites to communicate directly with smartphones and IoT devices, bypassing cell towers. It’s a game-changer for rural coverage and disaster zones—but not without regulatory and competitive hurdles.
India’s telecom department has yet to define a legal framework for D2D. TRAI is expected to be roped in to examine pricing models, spectrum allocation, and licensing conditions. Meanwhile, stakeholder talks are ongoing with OEMs, operating system providers, and satcom firms.
Why the friction? Traditional telcos fear D2D will cannibalize their business. They’ve insisted that D2D providers should be governed under the same rules and spectrum auctions as terrestrial operators. So far, the Indian government has leaned toward administrative allocation for satellite spectrum—aligning with Starlink’s position.
Starlink’s India Ambitions Are Still in Orbit
Despite the Gen2 roadblock, Starlink is far from grounded in India.
- Gen1 services were greenlit by IN-SPACe in July 2023
- TRAI and DoT had already cleared it earlier
- Starlink is building 20 Earth stations across Noida, Chennai, and Navi Mumbai
- It has capacity for 2 million users and is complying with data localization rules
Starlink’s user terminal is expected to cost INR 33,000, with a monthly fee of INR 3,000. However, while the company has provisional spectrum clearance for infrastructure and security testing, final spectrum allocation remains pending.
India’s satcom race is heating up—rivals OneWeb India and Jio Platforms-SES are also readying their launches.
What’s at Stake for India and Starlink?
D2D connectivity could transform rural access, emergency response, and IoT scalability in India. But without clear spectrum rules and policy clarity, it risks being stalled in orbit.
The ball is now back in Starlink’s court: will it reapply and help push India’s space-tech regulations into the next orbit?
TL;DR
Starlink must reapply to IN-SPACe for approval to offer direct-to-device satellite services in India after Gen2 rejection. Spectrum rules blocked earlier clearance. IN-SPACe now signals openness to review, but D2D regulations are still evolving. Starlink’s Gen1 broadband operations in India continue to expand.
AI summary
- IN-SPACe rejected Starlink’s Gen2 constellation due to spectrum issues.
- Starlink must reapply to offer D2D services in India.
- D2D lacks regulatory clarity; TRAI expected to weigh in.
- Telcos push back over competition and spectrum parity.
- Starlink’s Gen1 rollout with 20 Earth stations continues.
