Elon Musk Starlink India: Elon Musk's company Starlink has reapplied to the Indian space regulator IN-SPACe for its next-generation Gen 2 satellite network.

Elon Musk Starlink India Satellite Internet

Elon Musk Starlink India: Competition among companies for satellite internet in India is steadily increasing. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's company, Starlink, has taken another step towards strengthening its presence in India. The company has reapplied to the Indian space regulator, IN-SPACe, for its next-generation Gen 2 satellite network. This network also includes Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity. If approved, it could facilitate direct connection of mobile phones to satellites in the future.

Approval sought again for Gen 2 network.

According to a report in the Economic Times, Starlink has re-approved a Gen 2 network consisting of approximately 30,000 satellites. These satellites are planned to be deployed in low Earth orbit at altitudes of approximately 340 to 615 kilometers. The company had previously applied for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 networks in India. However, in July 2025, IN-SPACe approved only the Gen 1 network. This network consists of 4,408 LEO satellites and is planned to provide traditional satellite broadband internet service.

Why was the old application not approved?

Starlink's previous Gen 2 application was not approved due to certain technical features and regulations related to spectrum bands. Now, the company has re-applied under changed circumstances. This time, the application also includes technologies like D2D. Regulations for satellite communication and D2D services are currently under discussion in India.

The phone will connect directly to the satellite.

The most important aspect of this entire issue is Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology. This allows specially enabled mobile phones and other devices to connect directly to satellites. While mobile phones typically connect to networks via towers, D2D technology allows for a direct connection between the phone and satellite. This could help provide connectivity in areas where mobile towers are difficult to install.

Competition for satellite internet will increase in India.

Starlink faces competition from several companies in India. Reliance Jio has already proposed a network of approximately 1,600 LEO satellites. Eutelsat OneWeb and Amazon LEO are also preparing to enter the Indian satellite communications market. SpaceX's overall Gen 2 plan calls for approximately 42,000 satellites. Currently, approval has been sought for approximately 30,000 satellites in India. The company may apply for additional satellites as needed.

Several approvals are still required before the service can begin.

Starlink will need to complete several regulatory processes before launching commercial services in India. These include security clearance and spectrum allocation. TRAI has already submitted its recommendations regarding satellite spectrum pricing, but the government's final decision is still pending. Discussions are also ongoing regarding regulations for D2D services. Consequently, Starlink's new application is considered a significant step in its satellite internet strategy in India. If the Gen 2 network and D2D service are approved, the company will be able to expand into direct mobile connectivity in India, along with satellite internet.