Starlink, Elon Musk satellite internet service, has received government approval to launch broadband operations in India. In a significant move, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has allowed the company to use Aadhaar-based eKYC for customer verification. This will let Starlink onboard users quickly while staying compliant with Indian regulations.
Under the arrangement, Starlink has been registered as both a sub-authentication user agency and a sub-eKYC user agency. This means that Aadhaar authentication will serve as the foundation for verifying new customers. The system removes paperwork, cuts delays, and enables large-scale onboarding with ease. According to initial estimates, nearly 20 lakh users can be connected under this model.
Why Aadhaar Integration Matters for Starlink?
Satellite internet is especially valuable for rural and remote regions where conventional broadband networks struggle. Aadhaar-based verification makes the process smoother, allowing Starlink to focus on connectivity rather than lengthy compliance checks. The use of digital ID ensures security while keeping the process voluntary for users.
The timing is crucial as India has already granted Starlink a unified licence to operate nationwide. This puts the company in competition with Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications. By leveraging Aadhaar for KYC, Starlink can scale operations faster, tapping into regions where traditional service providers face hurdles.
UIDAI, on its part, has been modernising identity verification. Efforts like QR code-based offline Aadhaar verification show a push to balance convenience and privacy. This adds another layer of trust to Starlink expansion plans, ensuring that data protection remains central.
The bigger picture is clear: combining digital identity with next-generation satellite internet can reshape how connectivity reaches underserved areas in India. With Aadhaar-backed eKYC, Starlink is positioned to bring both speed and security to millions of potential users.
