Starlink to Set Up Gateway Station in Kolkata as India Gears Up for Satellite Internet Launch

In a major leap towards India’s satellite internet revolution, Elon Musk’s Starlink is all set to establish one of its nine gateway earth stations across the country in Kolkata. This development positions the City of Joy among a select group of Indian cities that will power the next era of high-speed satellite communication.

The upcoming Starlink gateway stations, planned in Mumbai, Noida, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Lucknow, are part of the company’s efforts to build ground infrastructure ahead of its satellite communication (satcom) services launch in India.

According to official sources, Starlink has applied for 600 gigabits per second capacity over India through its Gen 1 constellation and has been assigned provisional spectrum to demonstrate security-related compliances before commercial rollout.

Strengthening India’s Satellite Communication Landscape

The move marks a significant step in enhancing India’s satellite-based internet capabilities, especially in regions where traditional broadband connectivity remains limited. Once operational, Starlink’s network aims to bring high-speed, low-latency internet access to even the remotest corners of the country.

However, stringent security measures have been placed on the company. Only Indian nationals will be permitted to operate the gateway stations until clearances for foreign experts are obtained. Additionally, all data generated during the compliance period must be stored within India, ensuring robust data protection and national security.

Kolkata’s Role in India’s Digital Future

For Kolkata, this announcement reinforces its growing importance as an emerging technology hub in eastern India. The establishment of a Starlink gateway station will not only enhance regional connectivity but also strengthen the city’s position in India’s digital and communication infrastructure network.

From software development parks to IT corridors and now a satellite communication gateway, Kolkata is steadily rising as a key player in India’s digital transformation journey.

India’s Satcom Race

Starlink joins Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio Satellite in India’s rapidly evolving satcom ecosystem. All three players have received permits to launch services, with spectrum allocation awaited for commercial operations.

While security agencies continue to review Starlink’s past compliance concerns, including the misuse of unlicensed devices, the company’s latest collaboration with Indian authorities signals a renewed focus on transparency and compliance.

A Step Closer to Universal Connectivity

With Kolkata playing a strategic role in Starlink’s India rollout, the city once again finds itself at the intersection of innovation and impact — bridging local progress with global technology.

From the skies above to the streets below, Kolkata’s connection to the world just got stronger.