Starlink makes fresh push for Gen 2 satellite network approval in India

The renewed bid comes as India weighs new satellite communication capabilities, including direct-to-device connectivity, while Starlink faces growing competition from Jio, Amazon Leo and Eutelsat OneWeb in the country.

Elon Musk-led SpaceX’s Starlink has reapplied to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) for permission to deploy its Gen 2 satellite constellation in India, according to reports. The move marks another attempt by the company to secure regulatory clearance for its next-generation satellite communication network.

The fresh application covers a constellation of nearly 30,000 satellites that would operate in low Earth orbit (LEO), at altitudes ranging from around 340 km to 615 km. Starlink had previously sought approval for both its first- and second-generation satellite networks, but its earlier Gen 2 proposal did not receive clearance.

Fresh application follows earlier regulatory setback

The earlier application reportedly faced objections related to certain technical characteristics and the spectrum bands proposed for the Gen 2 network. As a result, IN-SPACe granted approval in July 2025 only for Starlink’s Gen 1 constellation, comprising 4,408 LEO satellites.

The Gen 1 network is intended to support Starlink’s conventional satellite broadband services. The renewed application indicates that the company is continuing to pursue a larger satellite footprint in India, potentially allowing it to offer greater network capacity and broader coverage once the required approvals are secured.

Globally, SpaceX has plans to deploy about 42,000 satellites under the Gen 2 programme. For India, however, the company has initially sought authorisation for close to 30,000 satellites. Further approvals could potentially be sought at a later stage as the regulatory framework and service requirements evolve.

Competition intensifies in India’s satellite broadband market

Starlink’s renewed regulatory push comes as India examines the future of satellite-based connectivity, including emerging applications such as direct-to-device (D2D) communication. The technology could allow compatible mobile devices to connect directly with satellite networks, potentially extending connectivity to areas where conventional terrestrial networks remain limited.

If approved, Starlink’s expanded constellation could strengthen its competitive position in India’s satellite communication market. The company faces competition from several players, including Reliance Jio, which has proposed a 1,600-satellite LEO network, Amazon Leo and Eutelsat OneWeb.

However, regulatory approval for satellite operators remains only one part of the process before commercial services can begin. Companies operating non-geostationary satellite systems also require other clearances, including security approvals and access to spectrum.

Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and the satellite venture between Reliance Jio and Luxembourg-based SES have yet to commence full commercial operations in India. The timing of their launches will depend on regulatory clearances and the resolution of spectrum-related issues.

Starlink’s latest application therefore represents an important step in its India strategy, but the company will still need to clear the remaining regulatory and operational requirements before its next-generation satellite services can be introduced to consumers.