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Regulations & Compliance

Regulatory Compliance in India

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Regulatory Overview

Starlink India operates in full compliance with Indian telecommunications regulations, licensing requirements, and data protection laws. This page outlines the key regulatory frameworks governing our satellite internet services in India.

Licensing and Approvals

Department of Telecommunications (DoT)

Starlink has applied for and is in the process of obtaining necessary licenses from the DoT under the following categories:

  • Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite Services (GMPCS) License
  • Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Service Provider License
  • Satellite Gateway License for ground stations
  • Spectrum allocation for Ka-band frequencies

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

Coordination with ISRO's Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) for satellite coordination and frequency management.

Applicable Regulatory Frameworks

1. Indian Telegraph Act, 1885

Governs the establishment, operation, and licensing of telegraph (including telecommunications) services in India. Starlink operates under the provisions of this Act.

2. Information Technology Act, 2000

  • Data protection and privacy requirements
  • Cybersecurity obligations
  • Digital signatures and authentication
  • Intermediary liability provisions

3. TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) Regulations

  • Quality of Service (QoS) standards
  • Consumer protection regulations
  • Tariff and pricing guidelines
  • Do Not Disturb (DND) compliance

4. National Cyber Security Policy

Compliance with national cybersecurity objectives including protection of critical information infrastructure.

Data Localization and Privacy

Starlink India complies with Indian data localization requirements:

  • Payment Data: All payment and financial data is stored within India as per RBI guidelines
  • User Data: Customer information and usage data stored in compliance with IT Act requirements
  • Government Access: Lawful interception capabilities as mandated by Indian law
  • Data Transfers: International data transfers only under approved frameworks

Security and Lawful Interception

Starlink implements security measures and lawful interception capabilities as required by Indian authorities:

  • Lawful Interception and Monitoring (LIM) systems as per DoT guidelines
  • Integration with Centralized Monitoring System (CMS)
  • Compliance with License Terms and Conditions for security provisions
  • Regular security audits as mandated by CERT-In
  • Incident reporting within prescribed timelines (6 hours for critical incidents)

Spectrum Management

Starlink operates in Ka-band frequencies allocated by DoT:

  • User terminal downlink: 18.8 - 19.3 GHz and 19.7 - 20.2 GHz
  • User terminal uplink: 28.6 - 29.1 GHz and 29.5 - 30.0 GHz
  • Gateway downlink: 17.8 - 18.6 GHz and 18.8 - 19.3 GHz
  • Gateway uplink: 27.5 - 29.1 GHz and 29.5 - 30.0 GHz

All spectrum usage is coordinated with Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of DoT.

Consumer Protection

Starlink adheres to TRAI consumer protection regulations:

  • Transparent pricing and billing practices
  • Clear service terms and conditions
  • Timely resolution of customer complaints (maximum 4 weeks)
  • Quality of Service (QoS) monitoring and reporting
  • Refund policies in accordance with TRAI guidelines
  • Protection against unfair trade practices

Environmental Compliance

Ground station infrastructure complies with:

  • Environmental clearances from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  • Electromagnetic field (EMF) emission standards
  • Building and construction regulations
  • E-waste management rules for equipment disposal

Taxation and Financial Compliance

Starlink India complies with all applicable Indian tax laws:

  • Goods and Services Tax (GST) on all services
  • Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) contribution (8% of Adjusted Gross Revenue)
  • License fee payment to DoT
  • Corporate income tax and withholding tax obligations
  • Foreign exchange regulations (FEMA compliance)

Regulatory Status and Updates

Current Status: Starlink India is in the licensing process with DoT. Pre-booking is open subject to regulatory approvals.

Expected Service Launch: January 2026, contingent upon receipt of all necessary licenses and approvals.

We are committed to operating transparently and in full compliance with Indian regulations. Updates on our regulatory status will be posted on this page and communicated to pre-booking customers.

Regulatory Inquiries

For questions regarding regulatory compliance:

Starlink India - Regulatory Affairs

Email: regulatory@starlink.in

Address: 14th Floor, SKAV 909, Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Important Notice

This page provides general information about regulatory compliance and does not constitute legal advice. Regulatory requirements may change, and Starlink India will adapt its operations accordingly. Service availability is subject to obtaining and maintaining all necessary regulatory approvals from Indian authorities.