Starlink nears India launch as SpaceX begins security tests for 2026 rollout

Elon Musk’s SpaceX edges closer to beaming high-speed satellite internet across India, with Starlink clearing crucial security evaluations ahead of its expected 2026 debut.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is preparing to beam satellite-powered internet into Indian homes, with its Starlink division beginning crucial security tests, a mandatory step before launching broadband operations in the country. The move marks a major leap toward Musk’s goal of expanding global satellite connectivity.

The tests are part of India’s stringent compliance framework for foreign telecom operators. Starlink has reportedly sought 600 gigabits per second of bandwidth from its Gen 1 satellite network, provisionally cleared for these demonstrations. Once the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) finalises pricing norms for satellite internet, Starlink is expected to roll out services within months, setting the stage for a 2026 commercial debut.

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India’s space and broadband sectors are now turning into a fierce battleground. Alongside Starlink, players like Reliance Jio’s Space Fibre and Eutelsat’s OneWeb are vying to connect the country’s vast underserved regions. However, SpaceX appears determined to dominate, with plans to establish at least ten satellite gateways across India, more than triple its competitors’ count.

Mumbai has emerged as Starlink’s ground control hub, where three major stations have already been completed. These facilities are undergoing inspections, and sources suggest the infrastructure rollout is nearly ready for activation.

Unlike its rivals focusing on government and enterprise clients, Starlink aims straight for retail consumers, especially rural households lacking reliable connectivity. With a network of low-orbit satellites, the company hopes to bridge the digital divide while also attracting urban tech enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for high-speed, low-latency internet.

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The Indian foray also represents Musk’s second major venture in the country, following Tesla’s local entry earlier this year. With government backing for mixed communication models, fibre, terrestrial, and satellite, India is opening its skies for global telecom innovators.

If regulatory stars align, Starlink could become operational in early 2026, marking a new frontier for SpaceX and potentially revolutionising India’s internet landscape.