Starlink said to start security tests in India for satellite rollout

Starlink, the satellite internet unit of SpaceX, is starting security tests in India as it moves closer to launching commercial broadband services, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The tests are part of India’s security clearance process for telecom operators, with further regulatory steps pending before a full launch.

Starlink will still need the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to release the final pricing framework for satellite services, which could happen by the end of 2025, potentially enabling commercial service by early 2026.

SpaceX is building at least 10 satellite gateways across India, outpacing rival plans from Reliance Jio’s Space Fiber and Eutelsat’s OneWeb, according to sources.

Mumbai will serve as the company’s India hub, with three ground stations completed and on-site inspections expected soon.

Indian authorities approved Starlink’s operations and frequency bands earlier this year, after a long regulatory process.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Security clearances and pricing will dictate Starlink’s 2026 timeline

Starlink’s India launch depends on two steps. Security tests have started 1. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) must settle satellite-service pricing, which remains disputed with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) 1.
TRAI proposed a 4 percent spectrum-usage fee on adjusted gross revenue (AGR, the telco revenue base used for levies) plus ₹500 a year per urban subscriber 2. Spectrum charges are ₹3,500 per MHz yearly 2. At 200 MHz, that totals about ₹7 lakh annually 2.
An 8 percent license authorization fee on AGR and other levies will likely push prices above ₹4,200 per month, higher than its Bhutan rate, which could strain under-served households the service targets 2.
TRAI says satellite internet complements terrestrial networks due to lower total bandwidth and shared spectrum 2.

Infrastructure providers can target Starlink’s India gateway build-out

Starlink plans gateways in Noida, Chennai, and Navi Mumbai 1.
Advanced talks include Sify Technologies (Indian data center and network services); STT GDC India (data center operator); Equinix (global colocation company); CtrlS (Indian data center firm); DE-CIX India (internet exchange operator); Extreme IX (an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) platform); plus major carriers for planned ground stations that link satellites to fiber networks 3.
Each gateway is a ground station that connects satellites to local fiber networks 3. It needs land, dependable power, fiber backhaul, and neutral colocation space 3. That creates demand for infrastructure firms and internet exchanges 3.
DE-CIX India and Extreme IX have confirmed peering partnerships for low-latency interconnection 3.