Elon Musk’s Starlink has inched closer to its India debut, with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) granting provisional spectrum for satellite broadband trials. This paves the way for the company to test its technology and security compliance. These steps are necessary before launching services commercially.

Starlink has already received a Unified License after agreeing to all stipulated terms. These include security requirements applicable to all satellite communication firms. It also holds authorisations for GMPCS, Commercial VSAT CUG, and ISP ‘A’ services.

The trial spectrum, valid for up to six months, will be used only for testing. It cannot support commercial use. The next step will be a full-spectrum assignment under new rules being finalised. TRAI has recommended that spectrum be allocated administratively—without auctions—to global players like Starlink and OneWeb. Domestic firms such as Reliance Jio are included too.

Under this framework, spectrum will be assigned for five years (extendable by two), with no upfront charges. Instead, companies will pay 4% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) as a quarterly usage fee.

The trial allocation will help Starlink build ground infrastructure. It will also complete security checks ahead of its wider rollout, expected by late 2025. Once operations begin, customer onboarding will use Aadhaar-based verification.

Commercial services are expected to launch in late 2025 or early 2026. They aim to bridge last-mile connectivity gaps in India’s rural and remote regions.

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