Starlink Begins Hiring in India for Satellite Broadband Launch, Gears Up for 2025-26 Rollout

Elon Musk's Starlink has initiated its first hiring drive in India, a significant step towards entering the country's satellite broadband market. The company is actively recruiting for finance and accounting positions, including Accounting Manager, Payments Manager, Senior Treasury Analyst, and Tax Manager, all based at its operational hub in Bengaluru. This recruitment drive indicates Starlink's commitment to establishing local infrastructure and meeting India's stringent satellite communication (satcom) regulations before its commercial launch, anticipated by late 2025 or early 2026.

The hiring underscores Starlink's operational readiness. The roles will manage financial reporting, payment processing (including methods like UPI and RuPay), treasury operations, and tax compliance. All positions are strictly onsite, requiring candidates to have valid Indian work authorization.

Starlink is also progressing on regulatory fronts. It is conducting security demonstrations for the Department of Telecommunications and law enforcement agencies to secure final clearances. The company has received approval to import 100 terminals for trials and is seeking permission to establish nine gateway earth stations across India, with three already set up in Mumbai. Strict conditions, such as local data storage and operation of gateway stations by Indian nationals, are imposed to ensure national security.

Impact This development is crucial for the Indian telecommunications and technology sectors. Starlink's entry is expected to intensify competition, particularly with other players like Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Industries' Jio Satellite Communications. The availability of advanced satellite broadband services could significantly improve internet connectivity in remote and underserved areas, potentially boosting digital inclusion and economic activity. The increased competition might also lead to innovation and better service offerings for consumers. Impact Rating: 8/10

Terms Used: Satellite broadband: Internet access provided via satellites orbiting Earth, offering connectivity in areas where traditional terrestrial infrastructure is limited. UPI (Unified Payments Interface): An instant real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India. RuPay: India's own card network, conceptualized by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Transfer pricing: The pricing of goods and services transferred between related entities within a multinational company. Gateway stations: Ground facilities that serve as the primary connection points between a satellite network and terrestrial networks. Satcom: Abbreviation for Satellite Communication.