IMC 2026: Starink has designed its operations to comply with India's security, regulatory needs

Satellite communication (Satcom) services provider Starlink on Wednesday said it has designed its operations to comply with India’s security and other regulatory needs, and now only awaiting for government’s go ahead for its services to begin.

Speaking at India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, Starlink Business Operations said the company has made an investment in setting up the required infrastructure to serve the Indian market and also has partnered with telecom service providers like Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio.

“We’ve built our Starlink operations specifically for India in recognition of Indian security requirements and other regulations, establishing controls at every layer for India, and keeping Indian user data within India,” Dreyer said.

Centre has granted licences to three companies, including the Elon Musk-led Starlink, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, to provide satellite communication services in India. However, the satcom companies need spectrum and security clearance to start their services.

“For the past five years, Starlink has been working closely with Indian regulators and we’ve already made the investment and built the existing ground infrastructure here, 20 gateway sites comprising hundreds of antennas, and we’ve established the operations here in India, to be ready to serve India,” she said.

Dreyer said that digital economy is growing rapidly in India, but the last mile remains, and it’s the most challenging to connect. Therefore, Starlink offers the biggest potential to help accelerate the speed to connect a 100 per cent of India, and people can get connected within minutes, not years, she added.