Policy · Consumer Internet & Media

Starlink needs fresh approval for D2D in India

By Startup Enthusiast · 27 January 2026

What they do

Starlink provides satellite broadband using a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites

IN-SPACe rejected Starlink's Gen 2 application for D2D connectivity due to frequency band issues

India has no D2D regulations yet, and telecom operators want equal treatment for D2D providers

Starlink needs fresh approval from IN-SPACe to offer direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity in India.
IN-SPACe earlier rejected Starlink's Gen 2 constellation application because the higher frequency bands are not permitted in India.
IN-SPACe granted approval only for Starlink's Gen 1 constellation, which provides traditional broadband.
IN-SPACe is ready to review a resubmitted Gen 2 application.
D2D connectivity was not popular when Starlink first requested it years ago.
It is unclear if Starlink plans to apply for a D2D licence.
India has not yet formulated specific regulations for D2D connectivity.
The telecom department is considering D2D technology and may refer pricing to TRAI.

Traditional telecom operators argue D2D will hurt their business.
Telecom operators want D2D providers to follow the same regulatory framework as them.
The government has largely sided with administrative allocation of spectrum, not auction, which telecom operators lobby against.
There is no clarity on the timeline for spectrum allocation.

Starlink offers satellite broadband services using a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
The Gen 1 constellation consists of 4,408 satellites orbiting at 540-570 km altitude.
The Gen 1 system provides speeds up to 600 Gbps.
Starlink can onboard up to 20 lakh users in India with its current capacity.
A user terminal costs around INR 33,000, and the monthly subscription is INR 3,000.
Starlink plans to set up 20 earth stations or gateways in Noida, Chennai, and Navi Mumbai, with some under construction.
Indian regulations require local user data storage and prohibit routing through foreign gateways.

The telecom department is mulling D2D technology and may refer pricing to TRAI.
Work is ongoing with the regulator on spectrum bands for D2D, and talks with OEMs, OS providers, and satcom companies are underway.