Starlink Reapplies for Satellite Network Approval in India Amid Regulatory Hurdles Starlink, the U.S.-based satellite internet company, has submitted a renewed application to the Indian Space Agency (ISpA) for approval to deploy its Gen 2 network in low Earth orbit (LEO). The request follows the rejection of its initial application in July 2025, which was cited for technical shortcomings and non-compliance with spectrum regulations. The new proposal seeks authorization for a constellation of approximately 30,000 satellites operating between 340 and 615 kilometers above Earth, a significant expansion from its earlier Gen 1 network. The Gen 1 network, approved in July 2025, was limited to non-direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, meaning it could not provide direct internet access to end-user devices like smartphones or laptops. Instead, it relied on ground-based infrastructure to relay signals. Starlink’s Gen 2 network, however, aims to enable D2D connectivity, allowing devices to communicate directly with satellites in space. This technology could eliminate the need for terrestrial towers, potentially revolutionizing broadband access in remote and underserved regions. D2D connectivity works by enabling devices to establish direct links with satellites, bypassing traditional ground networks. This approach reduces latency and infrastructure costs, making it a key innovation in satellite internet. The Indian government has expressed interest in accelerating the rollout of D2D services, with officials indicating that regulatory guidelines for such technology may be finalized soon. If approved, Starlink’s Gen 2 network could outpace competitors like Reliance Jio, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and OneWeb, which are also vying for a share of the Indian market.#starlink #project_kuiper #relance_jio #indian_space_agency #gen_2_network
