Elon Musk’s Starlink has resubmitted its application to India’s space regulator for approval of a second-generation satellite network, this time proposing nearly 30,000 low Earth orbit satellites with direct-to-device connectivity. The satellites would be deployed in phases, with initial batches focused on high-demand areas before expanding to less densely populated zones.
The company, operated by SpaceX, filed the request with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), according to a report. The satellites would operate at altitudes between 340 and 615 kilometers, a range selected to optimize signal strength.
Regulator Previously Rejected Gen 2 Application
IN-SPACe had earlier approved only Starlink’s first-generation constellation of 4,408 satellites in July 2025. The regulator rejected the initial Gen 2 application, citing non-compliance with Indian spectrum and technical requirements. The renewed application comes as the government is considering opening additional spectrum bands for satellite communications and working on a regulatory framework for D2D services.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is currently examining rules for satellite-based connectivity, though telecom operators have pushed for equal treatment between satellite providers and traditional carriers. The debate centers on whether satellite operators should be subject to the same licensing fees, spectrum usage charges, and quality-of-service obligations as ground-based networks. Telecom companies argue that exempting satellite providers from these requirements would create an uneven competitive setting, particularly in rural markets where both technologies aim to serve the same customer base.
Direct-to-Device Technology Could Expand Rural Connectivity
Starlink’s Gen 2 constellation will offer capabilities such as D2D connectivity, which allows compatible mobile devices to connect directly with satellites without relying entirely on terrestrial telecom infrastructure. The technology can help extend mobile connectivity to remote and underserved regions where conventional telecom networks have limited coverage.
Globally, SpaceX plans to deploy around 42,000 satellites as part of its Gen 2 constellation. Starlink’s latest application seeks Indian authorisation for nearly 30,000 of these satellites, while the company could seek approval for additional satellites later. The sheer scale of the constellation is intended to ensure continuous coverage, even as individual satellites pass over different regions, by maintaining multiple satellites within line-of-sight of any given user at all times.
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The technology isn’t without controversy. Telecom operators argue that satellite providers offering direct mobile connectivity should face the same regulatory burdens as terrestrial networks, including compliance with emergency service mandates and data localization requirements. Security agencies have also raised concerns about the potential for unauthorized surveillance or interference, given that satellite signals can cross international borders. Meanwhile, the government’s spectrum allocation and security clearances remain unresolved, delaying commercial launches. The Department of Telecommunications is reportedly evaluating whether to auction spectrum for satellite services or allocate it administratively, a decision that could significantly impact the cost and timeline of deployment.
Starlink isn’t alone in pursuing India’s satellite market. Competitors include Eutelsat OneWeb, which has partnered with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for launch services and ground station support. Amazon’s Project Kuiper, though still in the development phase, has secured regulatory approvals in other markets and is expected to seek similar clearances in India. Reliance Jio’s planned LEO constellation of about 1,600 satellites aims to complement its existing 4G and 5G networks. None of these companies have begun commercial operations in the country yet, as they await final spectrum assignments and security clearances from Indian authorities.
Approval Process Still Pending
While Starlink holds a global mobile personal communication by satellite license from India’s Department of Telecommunications and IN-SPACe’s approval for its Gen 1 network, it cannot launch services until spectrum allocation and security clearances are finalized. The security review process involves multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Security Council Secretariat, which assess potential risks related to data encryption, foreign ownership, and the use of non-Indian ground infrastructure.
The delay reflects broader challenges in integrating satellite services into India’s telecom framework. Regulators are still weighing how to balance innovation with existing infrastructure, particularly as demand for rural connectivity grows. The government has set ambitious targets under its Digital India initiative, aiming to provide broadband access to all villages by 2025, but progress has been uneven due to the high cost of deploying fiber-optic cables in remote areas.
For now, the 30,000-satellite proposal remains under review, with no timeline for a decision. The outcome will likely set a precedent for other satellite operators seeking to enter the Indian market. Meanwhile, Starlink continues to expand its global operations, with active services in over 60 countries, though its commercial launch in India remains contingent on local regulatory approvals.
Starlink did not respond to requests for comment on the resubmitted application.
