Elon Musk’s Starlink has reapplied to India’s space regulator for approval of its second-generation (Gen 2) satellite constellation, reviving the company’s push to expand its satellite communications capabilities in the country. The fresh application covers a next-generation network that is expected to support direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, allowing compatible satellites to communicate directly with standard mobile devices. The Economic Times reported the development, citing people familiar with the matter.
The renewed application comes after India’s space regulator, IN-SPACe, previously rejected Starlink’s application for its roughly 30,000-satellite Gen 2 constellation because certain features and spectrum bands did not meet regulatory requirements. IN-SPACe had approved Starlink’s Gen 1 constellation of 4,408 low-Earth-orbit satellites in July 2025.
Starlink Reapplies For Gen 2 Approval
Starlink has submitted a fresh application to IN-SPACe seeking authorisation for its next-generation satellite network.
The new application is significant because Gen 2 is designed to provide capabilities beyond conventional satellite broadband, particularly direct-to-device connectivity.
Starlink India Application At A Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Starlink |
| Parent company | SpaceX |
| Founder | Elon Musk |
| Regulator | IN-SPACe |
| New application | Gen 2 constellation |
| Approx. Gen 2 satellites | ~30,000 |
| Key technology | Direct-to-device connectivity |
| Earlier approved constellation | Gen 1 |
| Gen 1 satellites | 4,408 |
| Gen 1 approval | July 2025 |
| Current status | Gen 2 application under consideration |
The new application does not mean Starlink has received approval yet. It represents a renewed attempt to secure regulatory authorisation for the larger and more capable constellation.
What Is Starlink Gen 2?
Starlink’s Gen 2 constellation represents a substantial expansion over its earlier-generation satellite network.
The proposed Gen 2 system is expected to incorporate technologies designed to increase network capacity and enable additional connectivity services, including direct-to-device communication.
Gen 1 Vs Gen 2
| Feature | Gen 1 | Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Satellites in India’s previously approved constellation | 4,408 | ~30,000 proposed |
| Primary capability | Satellite broadband | Broadband + newer connectivity capabilities |
| Direct-to-device | Limited/not the focus | Key capability |
| Status in India | Approved | Fresh application |
| Regulator | IN-SPACe | IN-SPACe |
The scale difference is substantial.
Proposed Scale: Starlink Gen 1 Vs Gen 2 In India
Comparison of the previously approved Gen 1 constellation and the approximately 30,000-satellite Gen 2 constellation Starlink has reapplied for.08K16K24K32KGen 1 approvedGen 2 proposed
Gen 2 figure is approximate and refers to the constellation covered by the fresh application.
If approved at the reported scale, the Gen 2 constellation would be roughly 6.8 times larger than the Gen 1 constellation previously approved by IN-SPACe.
Direct-to-Device Could Be The Bigger Opportunity
The most important feature of the new application could be direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity.
Traditional satellite internet generally requires specialised equipment, such as a satellite dish or terminal, to communicate with satellites.
D2D technology aims to remove that requirement by allowing satellites to communicate directly with compatible smartphones and other ordinary mobile devices.
Traditional Satellite Internet Vs D2D
| Feature | Traditional Satellite Broadband | Direct-to-Device |
|---|---|---|
| User equipment | Satellite terminal generally required | Compatible standard device |
| Installation | External equipment | Potentially no dedicated dish |
| Mobility | More limited | Designed for mobile connectivity |
| Coverage | Broadband service footprint | Potentially wider mobile coverage |
| Main use | Homes, businesses, remote sites | Phones and connected devices |
The technology could be particularly valuable in areas where conventional cellular networks are difficult or expensive to deploy.
How Starlink D2D Could Work
The basic concept is relatively straightforward.
Satellite In Orbit
↓
Connects To Mobile Device
↓
Satellite Network Routes Traffic
↓
Ground / Internet Infrastructure
↓
Voice, Messaging Or Data
The exact services available in India would depend on regulatory approvals, spectrum allocation, device compatibility and Starlink’s final commercial deployment.
Why India Matters To Starlink
India represents a large potential market for satellite connectivity because of its population, geographic diversity and large number of rural and remote areas.
Satellite networks can potentially reach locations where laying fibre or constructing conventional mobile infrastructure is difficult.
The Indian government has previously stated that satellite communication can help provide connectivity to rural, underserved and unserved regions, particularly remote and mountainous areas where terrestrial infrastructure is challenging.
Potential Starlink Coverage Opportunity
| Market Segment | Potential Satellite Benefit |
|---|---|
| Rural areas | Broadband where terrestrial networks are limited |
| Mountains | Connectivity in difficult terrain |
| Remote villages | Reduced dependence on local infrastructure |
| Islands | Long-distance connectivity |
| Disaster zones | Rapidly deployable communications |
| Transport | Connectivity away from terrestrial networks |
This makes satellite communications potentially complementary to India’s terrestrial telecom infrastructure rather than simply a replacement for mobile networks.
Starlink Already Has Key Indian Telecom Authorisations
Starlink’s renewed Gen 2 application should not be confused with the company’s broader licensing process.
India’s Department of Telecommunications granted Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited a Unified Licence with authorisations for Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS), Commercial VSAT CUG and ISP-A services in June 2025.
The DoT’s current GMPCS portal lists Starlink alongside Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb India Communications as companies holding UL authorisation for GMPCS services.
Starlink’s Indian Regulatory Path
June 2025
DoT grants Unified Licence authorisations
↓
July 2025
IN-SPACe approves Gen 1 constellation
↓
Earlier Gen 2 application
Rejected over regulatory/spectrum issues
↓
August 2026
Starlink reapplies for Gen 2
↓
Next Step
IN-SPACe review + further regulatory clearances
This means Starlink has already made significant progress toward entering the Indian market, but several regulatory and technical steps remain.
Why The Earlier Gen 2 Application Was Rejected
Starlink’s previous Gen 2 application did not receive approval from IN-SPACe.
Reports said the approximately 30,000-satellite constellation failed to meet certain requirements related to features and spectrum bands.
The fresh application indicates that Starlink has attempted to address the issues that prevented approval previously.
However, the exact changes made to the new application have not been publicly detailed in the reports currently available.
Previous Vs Current Application
| Issue | Earlier Application | New Application |
|---|---|---|
| Constellation | Gen 2 | Gen 2 |
| Scale | ~30,000 satellites | ~30,000 reported |
| D2D | Planned capability | Planned capability |
| IN-SPACe outcome | Rejected | Under review |
| Spectrum compliance | Concerns reported | Fresh application submitted |
The outcome of the new review will determine whether Starlink can deploy its Gen 2 network under the proposed configuration.
Starlink Still Faces Spectrum And Security Requirements
IN-SPACe approval is only one part of the broader regulatory process.
Satellite operators also require spectrum authorisation and must meet security conditions before commercial services can begin.
The Department of Telecommunications has said that a licence does not itself confer the right to use satellite spectrum; a separate frequency assignment is required from the Wireless Planning and Coordination wing of the DoT.
Regulatory Approval Stack
IN-SPACe
Satellite constellation authorisation
↓
DoT
Telecom licence
↓
WPC
Spectrum assignment
↓
Security Clearances
Government requirements
↓
Commercial Launch
Consumer services
This is why receiving approval for a satellite constellation does not automatically mean Starlink can immediately start selling services to Indian consumers.
Security Has Become A Major Consideration
India has been examining security issues surrounding satellite networks before allowing commercial services to begin.
In June, Economic Times Telecom reported that the Ministry of Home Affairs was examining issues including potential signal spillage into border areas involving Starlink and rival satellite operators.
These concerns are particularly important for satellite networks because their signals can cover very large geographic areas and may extend beyond national borders.
Key Regulatory Concerns
| Issue | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Spectrum bands | Prevents interference |
| Signal coverage | Important for border areas |
| Data security | Protects communications |
| Lawful interception | Regulatory requirement |
| Satellite locations | Network oversight |
| Ground infrastructure | Security monitoring |
| Device connectivity | Important for D2D services |
Starlink’s ability to satisfy these requirements will be crucial to its commercial launch timeline.
Starlink Faces Competition In India’s Satcom Market
Starlink is not entering an empty market.
India already has several companies preparing satellite communication services, including Jio Satellite Communications, OneWeb India and other operators.
The Department of Telecommunications’ GMPCS list includes Starlink, Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb India Communications.
India’s Emerging Satcom Competition
| Company | Parent / Partner | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Starlink | SpaceX | LEO broadband + D2D |
| Jio Satellite Communications | Reliance Jio + SES | Satellite connectivity |
| OneWeb India | Eutelsat OneWeb + Bharti | LEO connectivity |
| Nelco / partners | Tata Group ecosystem | Emerging D2D opportunity |
The competitive landscape could become more intense if D2D services are approved for commercial deployment.
D2D Could Change The Telecom Market
Direct-to-device technology has the potential to create a new layer of competition between satellite and terrestrial telecom networks.
Instead of relying exclusively on towers, phones could potentially connect to satellites in locations without conventional cellular coverage.
Future Connectivity Model
Mobile Tower
↘
Smartphone
↗
Satellite
↘
Remote Connectivity
This does not mean satellites will replace mobile towers. Terrestrial networks are likely to remain dominant in densely populated areas because they can provide high capacity at relatively low cost.
Satellites could instead fill coverage gaps.
Rural India Could Be A Major Use Case
One of the strongest potential applications is connectivity in areas where telecom infrastructure is difficult to build.
India’s geography includes mountains, forests, islands and sparsely populated rural areas.
In these locations, satellite networks can potentially provide coverage without requiring the same level of terrestrial infrastructure.
The government itself has highlighted satellite communications as a tool for addressing last-mile connectivity challenges in underserved regions.
Satellite Connectivity Opportunity
Remote Village
→ No Fibre
→ Limited Tower Coverage
↓
Satellite Connectivity
↓
Internet Access
↓
Digital Services
This could support internet access, education, healthcare, banking and government services in remote areas.
But Starlink Is Not Yet Ready For A Full Indian Consumer Launch
Despite the renewed application, Starlink’s commercial launch in India still depends on regulatory approvals.
The government has already granted Starlink important telecom authorisations, but satellite operators have faced additional security and spectrum-related requirements before commercial services can begin.
A recent report also said that non-geostationary satellite operators, including Starlink, OneWeb and Jio’s satellite venture, had not yet started commercial services in India, with security clearances and spectrum allocation among the remaining issues.
What Still Needs To Happen
| Step | Status |
|---|---|
| DoT telecom authorisation | Granted |
| Gen 1 constellation approval | Granted |
| Gen 2 approval | Fresh application submitted |
| Spectrum assignment | Pending |
| Security clearances | Pending / under process |
| Commercial launch | Not yet started |
The Gen 2 application therefore represents another regulatory milestone rather than the final approval required to begin nationwide consumer operations.
The Bigger Picture
Starlink’s decision to reapply for approval of its Gen 2 constellation signals that Elon Musk’s satellite internet company remains committed to the Indian market despite earlier regulatory obstacles. The proposed network, with roughly 30,000 satellites and direct-to-device capabilities, could eventually give Starlink a much broader technology platform than the Gen 1 constellation previously approved by IN-SPACe.
For India, the development adds another major player to an increasingly competitive satellite communications market. Starlink already holds important telecom authorisations, but it still needs to clear the relevant constellation, spectrum and security requirements before commercial services can fully begin. The biggest potential change could come from D2D technology, which could extend satellite connectivity directly to smartphones and help address coverage gaps in remote and underserved parts of the country.
Looking Ahead
The immediate focus will be on IN-SPACe’s assessment of Starlink’s revised Gen 2 application and whether the company has addressed the technical and spectrum-related issues that led to the earlier rejection. Approval would represent an important step toward bringing Starlink’s next-generation satellite technology to India, but spectrum assignment and security clearances would still remain critical parts of the launch process.
If approved, Starlink’s Gen 2 network could significantly expand the company’s potential role in India’s connectivity market. Traditional satellite broadband could serve homes and businesses, while direct-to-device technology could eventually provide connectivity to compatible smartphones in areas outside conventional terrestrial networks. For Indian telecom operators, meanwhile, Starlink’s renewed application could intensify competition in both satellite broadband and the emerging direct-to-device segment.
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