'Starlink would help the least served in India, especially in rural areas': Elon Musk

Elon Musk has supported Starlink’s satellite internet service as a potential solution for India’s rural connectivity gaps. He highlighted that over 11,000 villages lack 4G access, with rural internet density at 48.31 subscriptions per 100 people compared to 126.80 in urban areas. Starlink’s satellite network could address challenges like difficult terrain, low commercial viability, and infrastructure constraints, reaching remote villages, mountainous regions, islands, and disaster-hit areas. Direct-to-device connectivity could also maintain mobile phone connectivity beyond conventional tower reach. Musk urged the Indian government to expedite regulatory clearances, spectrum allocation, and commercial launch of Starlink services. Meanwhile, Starlink’s vice president, Lauren Dreyer, denied reports of a frozen approval process due to geopolitical concerns, stating ongoing discussions with the Indian government. She dismissed claims of security objections over Starlink terminals during geopolitical tensions, emphasizing active and productive engagement with the government.