Starlink banned from service in India until it gets internet license

SpaceX hasn't always received a warm welcome when expanding its Starlink satellite internet service.

According to foreign media reports, the Indian government has told Starlink to immediately stop providing satellite Internet services in the country until it obtains an operating license. SpaceX registered a business in India on November 1 and has begun offering Starlink reservations, but has not yet obtained a license to operate the service. Indian authorities also discourage potential customers of satellite Internet from registering for reservations.

[[437232]]

Starlink satellite internet ground receiving equipment (Image source: engadget)

As of now, SpaceX has not set a firm date for Starlink's debut in India, although it aims to establish 200,000 connections in the country by the end of 2022. As of November 1, more than 5,000 pre-orders have been received.

Starlink is currently available in 21 countries, mostly in public beta testing. However, SpaceX has a particularly strong desire to serve India as soon as possible. India has a very large rural population (more than 898 million according to the World Bank). This is a major market for satellite internet, and Starlink hopes that 80% of the devices sold in India by the end of 2022 will serve rural areas. However, it is now clear that the Indian government does not share the same enthusiasm.