Starlink Approved for 7,500 More Satellites Before India Rollout

SpaceX’s satellite broadband service Starlink has received regulatory clearance in the United States to expand its next-generation constellation, a move that strengthens its preparations for entry into the Indian market.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorised the launch of 7,500 additional satellites, taking the total approved Gen-2 fleet to 15,000 satellites.

The approval allows SpaceX to operate the expanded constellation across multiple frequency bands, easing earlier technical constraints placed on the system. The FCC said the decision supports broader broadband availability and competition, particularly in regions that remain poorly served by terrestrial networks.

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As part of the clearance, SpaceX must meet specific rollout milestones. Half of the newly approved satellites must be deployed and operational by December 1, 2028, while the remaining satellites are required to be launched by December 2031. These conditions are designed to prevent spectrum hoarding and ensure timely use of orbital resources.

The expanded approval is relevant for India, where Starlink is preparing to begin commercial operations. The company has already secured a licence to operate and is working with Indian authorities to comply with regulatory requirements and security norms. While the company has not announced a firm launch date or pricing structure, industry observers expect the service to initially target rural and remote regions with limited broadband access.

Starlink operates using low-Earth-orbit satellites, which are positioned closer to the planet than traditional geostationary satellites. This allows for lower latency and higher data speeds, making the service suitable for applications such as video streaming, remote work, and emergency communications.

With thousands of additional satellites now approved, SpaceX is expected to increase network capacity, reduce congestion, and improve service reliability as Starlink expands into large and bandwidth-intensive markets like India.