Elon Musk’s Starlink could bring satellite internet to remote parts of India, but its entry raises questions about market competition, foreign control of communications infrastructure and national security.
Starlink has received a satellite communications licence in India, but security compliance and spectrum-related requirements remain before it can begin commercial services.
Also read: Why Elon Musk's 'Starlink compliance claim' is blatantly false
Can India avoid dependence on a single provider?
Operated by SpaceX, Starlink has a substantial head start, with more than 11,000 satellites in low Earth orbit as of October 6. Its global network, launch capabilities and financial resources could make it difficult for newer competitors to match its scale.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on October 9 that India does not permit monopolies in any sector.
“Let me be very clear. India does not allow a monopoly in any sector,” Scindia said, adding that Amazon was another prospective entrant that would have to follow the prescribed process.
Other operators include Jio Satellite Communications and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb. Jio also has a satellite transmission-services joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES. Their capabilities and business models, however, differ from Starlink’s direct-to-consumer offering.
Who controls access to satellite connectivity?
Starlink’s network is operated by SpaceX, a US-based company. This raises questions about how India can ensure continuity of access if a foreign provider restricts, suspends or changes its services.
Starlink has positioned itself as a global satellite internet provider, but its role in the Russia-Ukraine war has raised questions about how neutral a privately controlled communications network can be.
In 2022, Elon Musk declined a Ukrainian request to activate Starlink coverage around Sevastopol in Crimea to support an attack on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, citing concerns about escalating the war. Subsequent reporting highlighted disputes over Starlink access for Ukrainian forces.
The concern is particularly relevant if satellite broadband becomes essential for remote communities, businesses or emergency communications.
Former Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar has called for careful national security scrutiny of satellite broadband, arguing that India must protect its strategic autonomy while remaining open to foreign investment.
The service is not yet authorised in every country: Russia bans Starlink, while China blocks access to the service.
Why the Manipur reports have raised security concerns
The reported discovery of Starlink terminals in Manipur has added a security dimension to the company’s proposed Indian operations.
Government sources told CNBC-TV18 there was no ambiguity about reports of terminals being found in the state. “No ifs and buts,” the sources said.
The episode raises questions about how satellite equipment enters India, who operates it and how authorities can monitor its use in sensitive areas.
Chandrasekhar told CNBC-TV18: "Satcom and satellite broadband are extremely disruptive, complicated technologies from a point of view of national security and lawful interception. This is not a trivial problem. From 26/11 to today, every terrorist, every terror act has been aided, abetted, and has been, in a sense, helped by satellite communication. So, in a country like ours, where we are surrounded by nuclear neighbours, we have been for decades fighting this scourge of terrorism."
Starlink’s premium pricing: What does Bangladesh tell us?
Starlink’s pricing in Bangladesh highlights the affordability challenge it could face in India. Starlink’s official Bangladesh website lists residential plans at 4,200 taka (around ?3,300) and 6,000 taka (around ?4,800) a month, respectively, with hardware costing extra.
Indian telecom operators generate much less revenue per subscriber each month. Bharti Airtel reported average revenue per user (ARPU) of ?264 in Q1 FY27, while Reliance Jio reported ?215.6.
The comparison is indicative rather than like-for-like: ARPU measures average revenue per mobile subscriber, while Starlink offers fixed-location satellite broadband. The services have different use cases and cost structures.
Starlink’s Indian pricing remains unconfirmed. In November 2021, the Department of Telecommunications said the company was not licensed to offer satellite internet services in India and directed it to stop accepting bookings until it obtained the necessary authorisations.
In December 2025, Starlink’s India website briefly displayed a residential plan priced at ?8,600 a month and a one-time hardware cost of ?34,000. The company later said the website was not live, the figures were erroneous due to a configuration glitch, and it was not accepting orders in India.
Can India build alternatives to foreign satellite networks?
India can expand satellite broadband while strengthening domestic capabilities.
Bharti-backed OneWeb has used Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launch services, while SES-backed satellite communications operations have established a presence in India.
Rajiv Kumar, chairman of the Pahle India Foundation and former vice-chairman of NITI Aayog, said India should prioritise domestic satellite communications capabilities rather than allow foreign providers to overshadow Indian companies.
“If the government knows that there are domestic options available or coming along, then I would have no hesitation in saying that they should be encouraged and not be swamped by an imported or a foreign technology like Starlink,” Kumar said.
Referring to China, he added: “Maybe I'm not sure, but the Chinese have done the same… They haven't succumbed to Musk or any other sort of satellite provider.”
Kumar also called for the government to use the Universal Service Obligation (USO) Fund to support Indian satellite connectivity providers.
Developing such capabilities will require sustained investment, but it could give India more alternatives if an overseas network becomes unavailable.
For the full interview, watch the accompanying video
Rajiv Kumar, Nitin Pai back indigenous satcom push amid Elon Musk-Starlink row
