Elon Musk’s Starlink has resubmitted its application to India’s space regulator for its Gen 2 satellite network, now including direct-to-device (D2D) technology. This feature aims to connect standard mobile phones directly to satellites. While Starlink is a private company, the move signals intensifying competition for India’s listed telecom giants as the government continues to deliberate on spectrum and regulatory policies for satellite services.
Elon Musk’s Starlink is pushing ahead with its Indian ambitions, resubmitting its application for its Gen 2 satellite constellation to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). The latest filing for the network of approximately 30,000 low-Earth orbit satellites marks a strategic pivot by including direct-to-device (D2D) technology. This specific feature aims to allow users to connect their existing standard mobile phones to satellite networks, bypassing the need for specialized hardware.
A Previous Setback
This resubmission follows an earlier rejection of Starlink's Gen 2 application by Indian authorities. That initial plan did not meet specific technical and spectrum band requirements, leading to the regulatory decision. While Starlink already holds approvals for its Gen 1 broadband constellation and other licensing, the company’s push for the more advanced Gen 2 system indicates a long-term focus on capturing market share in the satellite-based communication space.
Competitive Landscape and Investor Context
For Indian investors, it is important to note that Starlink is a subsidiary of SpaceX, a private company. There is no publicly traded stock or IPO for Starlink on the NSE or BSE. However, the company’s market entry efforts are a significant factor for the Indian telecom sector. The push for D2D technology puts Starlink in direct competition with established and emerging satellite players in India, including Reliance Jio, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and Eutelsat OneWeb, which is backed by Bharti Enterprises.
The introduction of D2D services could disrupt traditional telecom business models, as it allows satellite operators to offer mobile connectivity directly to consumers. This potential disruption is why domestic telecom operators are closely tracking policy developments and advocating for a level playing field regarding licensing and spectrum pricing.
The Road Ahead
Despite the resubmission, regulatory hurdles remain the primary monitorable for the industry. India is still in the process of finalizing its formal policy framework for satellite communications. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is evaluating spectrum pricing and the technical rules for D2D connectivity. Additionally, national security and data localization compliance remain strict prerequisites for any satellite operator seeking commercial launch approval in India.
The next major update for the market will be the government’s decision on the regulatory framework for D2D services. Investors should track these policy discussions, as the finalized rules will likely dictate the commercial viability and timeline for satellite operators in the country.