Elon Musk-owned satellite broadband provider Starlink is preparing to officially launch its services in India with a major partnership with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The collaboration will integrate Aadhaar-based e-KYC into Starlink’s onboarding process, enabling a faster, paperless, and fully compliant method for customers to get connected to satellite internet.
Fast and Smooth Onboarding
Traditionally, registering for digital services in India has required lengthy forms and days of waiting for verification. Starlink is changing that model. Leveraging the digital identity infrastructure of Aadhaar, the company promises that new users will be verified in just minutes. The system will use biometric and facial recognition verification, ensuring both speed and security for customers.
Importantly, Starlink clarified that the Aadhaar e-KYC process will remain voluntary and will only be carried out with the explicit consent of users, in line with UIDAI’s guidelines. This move preserves transparency while giving subscribers a much smoother onboarding experience.
Meeting India’s Regulatory Standards
The partnership also aligns Starlink with India’s evolving regulatory framework. According to the Ministry of Electronics & IT, Aadhaar e-KYC simplifies compliance while eliminating paperwork and delays. This will allow households, enterprises, and institutions to access satellite internet services more efficiently—without the hurdles that often slow down digital adoption.
Strengthening India’s Digital Backbone
Government officials highlighted three key takeaways from the Starlink-UIDAI partnership:
- Aadhaar drives innovation by enabling cutting-edge services such as satellite broadband.
- It demonstrates global adaptability, proving that India’s digital identity system can integrate with international tech providers.
- It reinforces official legitimacy, as Starlink has been authorised as both a Sub-Authentication User Agency (Sub-AUA) and a Sub-eKYC User Agency (Sub-KUA) under UIDAI.
By combining Starlink’s satellite internet technology with Aadhaar’s trusted verification system, the initiative strengthens India’s digital ecosystem and accelerates the deployment of next-generation connectivity across urban and rural regions alike.
This partnership not only underscores the maturity of India’s Aadhaar infrastructure but also signals the country’s readiness to embrace global digital innovations at scale.