Starlink, the satellite-based internet service provider owned by SpaceX, is preparing for its much-anticipated launch in India with a key step toward regulatory compliance and customer convenience. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has officially onboarded Starlink to use Aadhaar for customer verification, marking a significant integration of India’s digital identity system with cutting-edge satellite internet technology.

Key Points

Starlink to use Aadhaar for customer verification in India

UIDAI confirms Starlink as a Sub-Authentication & Sub-eKYC user agency

Aadhaar e-KYC to enable paperless, fast, and secure onboarding

Authentication remains voluntary for customers

Boosts compliance with KYC regulations in India

Seen as a milestone in blending digital identity with satellite internet services

Signals Starlink’s readiness for rollout in the Indian market

Aadhaar Integration for Seamless Onboarding

By adopting Aadhaar-based authentication, Starlink aims to simplify the onboarding process for Indian customers. The integration ensures a paperless, quick, and secure sign-up process while remaining fully compliant with India’s Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. This move also aligns with the country’s vision of digital transformation and easy access to services through Aadhaar.

Voluntary Authentication in Line with Regulations

UIDAI clarified that Aadhaar authentication for Starlink users will be entirely voluntary. Customers will have the choice to use Aadhaar e-KYC during registration, ensuring transparency, accountability, and customer freedom while complying with existing laws.

Official Agreement and Key Signatories

The agreement formalizing Starlink’s adoption of Aadhaar authentication was signed in the presence of senior officials, including:

Sh. Bhuvnesh Kumar, CEO of UIDAI

Sh. Manish Bhardwaj, Deputy Director General of UIDAI

Parnil Urdhwareshe, Director of Starlink India

This appointment establishes Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt. Ltd. as both a Sub-Authentication User Agency (Sub-AUA) and Sub-eKYC user agency.

Significance for India’s Digital Ecosystem

UIDAI views this development as a strong validation of Aadhaar’s scalability and reliability. The partnership demonstrates how India’s digital infrastructure can support global technology providers like Starlink in delivering innovative services with enhanced transparency and accountability.

For Starlink, this integration is a crucial step toward building trust with Indian regulators and customers. It also positions the company to deliver high-speed, low-latency satellite internet to households, businesses, and institutions across the country, especially in rural and underserved regions.

Conclusion

Starlink’s adoption of Aadhaar for customer verification reflects a major step in its Indian journey. With streamlined e-KYC processes, voluntary Aadhaar-based onboarding, and alignment with regulatory frameworks, the company is well-positioned to accelerate its rollout in India. This collaboration not only showcases the power of India’s digital identity system but also underlines the potential of satellite internet to bridge connectivity gaps across the nation.