Elon Musk's Starlink has officially received the Indian government’s approval to provide satellite-based internet services in the country, marking a major milestone for digital connectivity across rural and remote areas.

After years of anticipation, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has finally granted Starlink a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence. This permits SpaceX's internet arm to establish its satellite communication network in India. The approval is seen as a major step toward addressing the digital divide and improving internet penetration in geographically difficult or poorly connected regions.

With over 4,000 satellites already in orbit, Starlink aims to offer high-speed, low-latency internet to even the most remote corners of the country. The approval also paves the way for competition with existing players like Bharti-backed OneWeb and Jio Satellite, potentially lowering prices and improving services for consumers.

Sources suggest Starlink could begin operations by late 2025, depending on spectrum allocation and infrastructure deployment. The Indian market holds significant potential, especially in sectors like education, healthcare, defense, and disaster management, where connectivity is often a bottleneck.

This development not only signals the entry of a global tech giant into India's growing telecom sector but also aligns with the government’s Digital India mission, aiming for inclusive, last-mile connectivity.