Elon Musk pushes Starlink for rural India, urges swift approval to connect ‘least served’ communities

SpaceX founder Elon Musk has publicly advocated for the rapid deployment of his Starlink satellite internet service across rural India. Musk highlighted the potential for Starlink to bridge the digital divide, emphasizing its ability to reach "least served" communities that currently lack reliable internet access. The company has reportedly submitted applications for operating licenses and spectrum in India, facing regulatory hurdles.

The push for Starlink in India comes amid a significant rural population that remains unconnected or underserved by traditional broadband infrastructure. The Indian government has ambitious goals for digital inclusion, and private sector involvement, particularly from companies like SpaceX, could accelerate progress. However, the approval process involves considerations around market competition, pricing, and national security implications.