Elon Musk's Satellite Internet Company Starlink Inches Closer To Entering Indian Market

New Delhi: Billionaire Elon Musk's satellite internet company, Starlink has taken a significant step towards entering Indian market by agreeing to comply with government's data localization and security requirements. This move comes after several meetings with India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT), where Starlink agreed "in principle" to here to key guidelines essential for obtaining a satellite broband services license.

According to information, data localization rules mandate that satellite communication companies store all user data within India and allow government intelligence ncies to intercept data when needed. In India, compliance with se rules is a prerequisite for obtaining GMPCS license, which allows satellite internet providers to acquire trial spectrum and begin initial operations.

While Starlink has yet to formally submit its compliance agreement, this move indicates that company is inching closer to launching its services in India. 

Reportedly, Starlink, which first applied for GMPCS licence in October 2022, is also working with Indian National Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-) for furr approvals. regulator has asked Starlink and its competitor, Amazon ’s Project Kuiper, for more details before moving forward with ir applications. 

Starlink’s progress in India coincides with discussions about Elon Musk’s potential involvement in ministration of US president-elect Donald Trump , who has mentioned giving Musk a significant role. This connection could improve Starlink’s influence as it seeks to expand its satellite internet services globally, including in India.