Starlink is reportedly preparing for its India entry by deploying ground infrastructure ahead of a commercial launch. The company is actively engaging with Sify Technologies Limited, ST Telemedia, Equinix, and CtrlS Datacenters; Deutscher Commercial Internet Exchange (DE-CIX) and Extreme Networks; Microscan Computers Private Limited; and Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Tata Communications. These tie-ups will underpin Starlink’s terrestrial ecosystem, enabling scaled satellite connectivity for high-speed broadband access.
Starlink’s initial capital outlay is estimated at Rs 5 billion, with letters of intents (LoI) to partners anticipated in September 2025. It has obtained all key regulatory approvals and trial spectrum, and has identified 17 ground-station locations across India that are critical for enabling direct-to-cell satellite connectivity and meeting domestic data-storage requirements. These ground stations will bridge Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites with national fibre and data networks, ensuring wide-ranging coverage.
Further, local regulations mandate that all downlinked satellite traffic be stored and routed within India, placing ground stations, data centres, and internet exchanges at the core of the country’s satellite communications ecosystem. Additionally, DE-CIX India has recently confirmed its Starlink integration, with active ports such as Mumbai delivering high-throughput, low-latency connectivity for streaming, conferencing, and gaming.
