Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has received key regulatory approval from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to begin operations, marking a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in the world’s second-largest internet market.
The approval, confirmed on June 5, 2025, by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, follows years of delays due to national security concerns and spectrum allocation disputes. Starlink is now finalizing compliance requirements, with a license expected by the end of June, paving the way for a commercial rollout within 12 months, offering 600–700 Gbps of bandwidth and targeting 10 million subscribers.
The approval comes after partnerships with India’s telecom giants, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, announced in March 2025, which will distribute Starlink equipment through their retail networks. The service promises high-speed internet (20–250 Mbps) to remote and underserved areas where traditional broadband struggles, potentially transforming connectivity for India’s 683 million offline population.
However, concerns linger over unauthorized use, as Starlink devices were seized in Manipur and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in late 2024, linked to insurgents and smugglers, prompting a government probe. Starlink Status in South Asian Countries:
Bhutan: Starlink launched in December 2024, offering plans from NPR 3,001 (Residential Lite, 23–100 Mbps) to NPR 4,201 (Standard, 25–110 Mbps) monthly, enhancing connectivity in remote areas.
Sri Lanka: Licensed in August 2024 after a new telecommunications bill, Starlink is the first South Asian country to greenlight operations, targeting rural connectivity.
Bangladesh: Agreements with local firms for ground stations were signed in March 2025, with a planned launch in 2025, following an invitation from interim government head Muhammad Yunus.
Pakistan: Starlink is awaiting licensing, with no confirmed timeline for operations. Regulatory hurdles and local telecom competition may delay entry.
Nepal, Maldives, Afghanistan: No official Starlink operations or licenses have been reported, though Nepal’s challenging terrain makes it a potential future market.
Starlink’s expansion faces challenges, including high costs (potentially NPR 850/month in India) and competition from Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Jio SpaceFiber. India’s cautious approach reflects a balance between innovation and security, setting a precedent for South Asia’s digital future.
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