Industry Odisha Bureau, Aug 20: Starlink has renewed its Indian expansion push by submitting a fresh Gen 2 constellation application. The company is now seeking authorisation from India’s space regulator for its next-generation satellite network. The proposed constellation would operate in low Earth orbit at altitudes between 340 and 615 kilometres. This fresh application marks a significant strategic pivot from Starlink’s earlier rejection by Indian authorities.
The renewed push carries considerable significance for India’s evolving satellite communications and broadband landscape. Unlike conventional geostationary satellites, Starlink’s proposed Gen 2 constellation operates in low Earth orbit at substantially lower altitudes. This orbital positioning could enable newer technical capabilities, including direct-to-device connectivity that allows smartphones to connect directly. The development represents a potential expansion of satellite-based connectivity options across India’s remote and underserved regions.
Starlink’s previous application, which sought authorisation for around 30,000 satellites, faced rejection from IN-SPACe. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre cited concerns regarding certain technical features and spectrum bands. That earlier decision created uncertainty about Starlink’s market access, but the fresh Gen 2 application addresses regulatory feedback. The new submission essentially represents a regulatory reset after the earlier setback complicated Starlink’s timeline.
The distinction between Starlink’s Gen 1 and Gen 2 constellations carries substantial implications for India. Starlink’s approved Gen 1 constellation, comprising 4,408 satellites, received IN-SPACe authorisation in July 2025 and delivers conventional broadband services. The proposed Gen 2 constellation is substantially larger, with SpaceX planning approximately 42,000 satellites globally for full deployment. The latest Indian application seeks authorisation for nearly 30,000 satellites, representing a significant expansion of capability. Gen 2’s technical architecture could eventually support direct-to-device messaging and emergency communication services alongside broadband.
Direct-to-device connectivity represents one of Gen 2’s potentially transformative capabilities for India’s satellite sector. This technology could allow compatible smartphones to communicate with satellites without complete dependence on terrestrial networks. For India’s geographically dispersed population, such capability could address connectivity gaps in remote areas and enable emergency communication. However, D2D services remain subject to regulatory consultation and approval from Indian communications authorities.
Starlink faces intensifying competition within India’s satellite communications market from multiple operators. Reliance Jio has proposed a 1,600-satellite constellation for India’s market, pursuing regulatory approvals independently. Amazon Leo and Eutelsat OneWeb are simultaneously exploring opportunities across India’s satellite broadband segment. However, commercial satellite services have not yet commenced operations for major non-geostationary satellite operators in India.
Regulatory approval remains essential before any commercial satellite rollout becomes possible in India. Security clearances and spectrum allocation decisions remain pending for all proposed satellite operators. India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority has issued recommendations concerning satellite spectrum pricing frameworks. National security considerations and potential misuse of satellite infrastructure will likely shape India’s regulatory scrutiny. The path toward commercial satellite services depends on resolving spectrum assignments and security clearance requirements.
India’s satellite communications sector is entering a critical phase as regulatory frameworks evolve. Starlink’s fresh Gen 2 application will test India’s capacity to accommodate multiple satellite operators simultaneously. The regulatory outcome will substantially influence India’s position as a satellite broadband market and signal policymakers’ appetite for competition.
