Elon Musk’s Starlink has reapplied to India’s space regulator for approval of its second-generation satellite constellation, according to a report by The Economic Times. The application reportedly covers nearly 30,000 low-Earth-orbit satellites and includes technology designed to support direct-to-device connectivity.

The renewed application comes as India works on the regulatory framework for satellite communications and considers how spectrum should be allocated for emerging satellite-based services.

Reuters said it could not independently verify the details of the reported application.

Phone Could Connect Directly

The most significant feature of the proposed Gen 2 network is direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity.

D2D technology is designed to allow compatible mobile devices to communicate with satellites without relying on a conventional mobile tower or a dedicated satellite dish. In practical terms, that could help users remain connected in locations where terrestrial networks are unavailable.

The technology could prove particularly useful in remote mountains, sparsely populated regions and other areas where building conventional telecom infrastructure is difficult or expensive.

However, a Starlink application does not mean that satellite-to-phone services will immediately become available to Indian consumers.

India Approval Still Needed

Starlink must meet India's regulatory requirements before expanding its satellite network for services within the country.

The Department of Telecommunications says GMPCS authorisation can support satellite-based mobile services, including voice, messaging, data and internet connectivity, particularly in rural, remote and underserved areas. It also states that a telecom licence does not automatically grant the right to use spectrum; separate frequency assignment is required.

This makes spectrum policy a crucial part of the D2D debate.

The government must also consider technical coordination, security requirements and the operating conditions imposed on satellite networks.

Gen 2 Plan Is Larger

Starlink’s reported Indian application is significantly larger than its earlier Gen 1 approval.

According to the Economic Times report, Starlink is seeking approval for nearly 30,000 satellites operating in low Earth orbit. The company's global Gen 2 plans involve a much larger constellation.

The new application follows an earlier regulatory setback. Reports say Starlink's previous Gen 2 proposal did not meet certain Indian requirements, including concerns related to proposed spectrum bands.

The fresh filing indicates that the company has revised its approach and remains committed to expanding its Indian operations.

Remote Areas Could Benefit

India has expanded mobile and broadband coverage substantially, but difficult terrain continues to create connectivity challenges.

Mountainous areas, remote villages, islands and sparsely populated regions can require significant investment in fibre networks and mobile towers. Satellite connectivity can complement those terrestrial systems by reaching locations where conventional infrastructure is difficult to deploy.

D2D technology could take that concept further because users may not need a separate satellite terminal for basic supported services.

The actual experience, however, would depend on device compatibility, satellite capacity, spectrum availability and the regulatory conditions imposed in India.

Competition Is Growing

Starlink is entering an increasingly competitive Indian satellite communications market.

Companies including Eutelsat OneWeb, Amazon Leo and Indian telecom and satellite ventures are also pursuing opportunities in the sector. India's regulatory framework will determine how these operators can provide services and compete with conventional telecom companies.

The Department of Telecommunications already lists Starlink Satellite Communication Private Limited among entities holding GMPCS authorisation, alongside Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb India Communications.

That authorisation, however, does not by itself settle all requirements for spectrum use or specific new services such as D2D.

Rules Will Decide Future

Starlink's fresh application is an important step, but it does not yet mean Indians can connect their ordinary smartphones directly to Starlink satellites.

Regulators still need to examine the proposed Gen 2 constellation and its technical and operational compliance. Spectrum assignment, security conditions and India's eventual policy for satellite-to-mobile services will determine how far the technology can go.

If approved and commercially deployed, Starlink's satellite-to-phone technology could eventually complement India's existing mobile infrastructure, particularly in areas beyond reliable terrestrial coverage. For now, the renewed application signals that Musk's company is preparing for the next stage of its India strategy while regulatory decisions remain pending.