SpaceX's Starlink is developing ground infrastructure for satellite internet services in India, and has already built major ground infrastructure and adapted its operations to meet Indian security and regulatory requirements.
Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX, also made her remarks at India Mobile Congress 2026 at New Delhi, October 7, 2026. She said Starlink has been working with Indian regulators, telecom operators and industry players for 5 years to prepare for the Indian market.
Starlink has built 20 Gateway Sites
Dreyer said Starlink has already invested in its Indian infrastructure, including 20 gateway sites with hundreds of antennas.
These gateways are key to a satellite communication network as they connect the satellite system to terrestrial systems and move data between users and the wider internet.
Starlink has also established the operational systems required to begin serving customers once the necessary approvals are completed, Dreyer said.
India-Specific Security Measures
A major focus of Dreyer's remarks was Starlink's approach to India's security and regulatory requirements.
She said the company had built its Indian operations around the country’s rules and had controls at various layers of its operations. She also said Indian user data would remain within India.
The focus on local data handling and security comes as satellite internet providers are working to comply with India’s regulatory framework.
Starlink says it is ready to go.
Despite having constructed its infrastructure, Starlink has not yet launched commercial operations in India.
Dreyer said the company is waiting for the remaining government processes to be completed and expressed hope that Starlink would be authorised to begin services soon.
Business Standard reported that Starlink has received permissions from IN-SPACe and a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite licence, while security clearance and foreign direct investment-related approval are still pending.
#WATCH | Delhi | At the India Mobile Congress 2026 Session, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX Lauren Dreyer says, "For the past five years, Starlink has been working closely with Indian regulators, industry, and operators to understand how to adapt and prepare Starlink operations here in India to serve India best. We have built our Starlink operations specifically for India in recognition of Indian security requirements and other regulations... We have already made the investment and built the existing ground infrastructure here: 20 gateway sites comprising hundreds of antennas, and we have established the operations to be ready to serve India... Starlink offers the biggest potential to help accelerate the speed to connect 100% of India..."
— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2026
Starlink Targets India’s Last Mile Connectivity
Dreyer said India has already achieved connectivity at a large scale through affordable mobile data and a rapidly expanding digital economy. But the last mile is still one of the biggest connectivity challenges she identified.
Starlink believes that satellite broadband will help in areas where conventional fibre or mobile networks are difficult or expensive to deploy.
She said Starlink has a big potential to accelerate India's goal of connecting 100% of the population.
What Starlink’s India entry could mean
If launched commercially, Starlink could provide more connectivity options for households, businesses and institutions in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
But the entry would also provide another significant player to India’s budding satellite communications industry. Since it came into being, the government has granted licences to three companies including Starlink to provide satellite communication services but requires them to meet the spectrum and security requirements for commercial operations.
For now, Starlink’s message at India Mobile Congress 2026 is quite clear: Starlink says much of its Indian infrastructure is already in place and it is waiting for the remaining regulatory process to be completed before switching on commercial services.
