Starlink India Launch: Dreyer said Starlink has already built 20 gateway sites comprising hundreds of antennas in India and has established the operations required to serve the Indian market.
Starlink India Launch: Elon Musk-led satellite communications company Starlink has built India-specific security controls and established ground infrastructure to prepare for its operations in the country, Starlink Business Operations Vice President Lauren Dreyer said at India Mobile Congress 2026.
Dreyer said Starlink has already built 20 gateway sites comprising hundreds of antennas in India and has established the operations required to serve the Indian market.
“We’ve 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.
Starlink India Operations: Final approval awaited
Starlink is currently awaiting the Indian government’s security clearance and approval for foreign direct investment (FDI) before it can begin commercial services in the country. The company has already received clearances from IN-SPACe and obtained the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence.
“We are standing ready to serve India once India is ready. We’re ready to work with the government. We are ready to work with operators and with industry,” Dreyer said.
She added that the company is hopeful of receiving the final approvals soon.
“Hopefully, next time I address the Congress, the government’s work will be complete, and Starlink will be authorised and ready,” she said.
Starlink has worked with Indian regulators for 5 years
Dreyer said Starlink has been working closely with Indian regulators, industry stakeholders and telecom operators for the past five years to adapt its operations to the country’s requirements.
As part of its preparations, Starlink has also established MoUs with Airtel and Jio to support its plans to serve customers in India.
The executive said Starlink has specifically designed its operations keeping India’s security requirements and regulations in mind.
Starlink could help expand 100% connectivity
Dreyer said India has already achieved connectivity at scale through affordable data and a rapidly expanding digital economy. However, she highlighted the last mile as one of the biggest challenges in extending connectivity across the country.
“It’s also where Starlink offers the biggest potential to help accelerate the speed to connect 100 per cent of India,” she said.
She added that Starlink is ready to work with the Indian government, telecom operators and the broader industry to help achieve the goal of 100 per cent connectivity across India.
Starlink India infrastructure already built
According to Dreyer, Starlink has already invested in the infrastructure needed for its Indian operations. This includes 20 gateway sites and hundreds of antennas, with the company’s ground infrastructure and operational setup ready to serve the market.
She also highlighted SpaceX’s broader technology initiatives, including reusable Falcon 9 rockets, the next-generation Starship launch vehicle and plans to build AI computing capacity at scale.
Dreyer also noted SpaceX’s engagement with India’s space sector, including the company’s role in carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to and from the International Space Station.
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation developed and operated by SpaceX to provide global broadband coverage. The network functions via thousands of small satellites mass-produced and positioned in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Because these satellites operate at a lower altitude than traditional geostationary systems, they reduce signal latency, enabling data transfer rates suitable for real-time applications like video conferencing and streaming. The service primarily targets rural, remote, and underserved geographic regions where ground-based fiber or cable infrastructure is absent or limited.
