UIDAI-Starlink partnership: Starlink to use Aadhaar for customer verification; UIDAI tie-up clears path for 20 lakh users

Elon Musk-led Starlink will use Aadhaar authentication for customer verification before onboarding subscribers in India, an official statement said on Wednesday. The development comes after the government’s approval for the company to start offering satellite-based broadband services in the country, according to PTI.“The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has onboarded satellite-based internet provider Starlink Satellite Communication Pvt Ltd. Starlink will use Aadhaar Authentication for customer verification, which will make the entire process smooth, secure and very easy,” the statement said.According to official estimates, Starlink has the capacity to onboard around 20 lakh customers in India at present.“Starlink’s onboarding with Aadhaar authentication signifies a powerful synergy: India’s trusted digital identity joining hands with global satellite technology. Aadhaar e-KYC will facilitate the onboarding of users seamlessly, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while delivering high-speed internet to households, businesses, and institutions,” the statement added.The appointment of Starlink Satellite Communication as a sub-authentication user agency and sub-eKYC user agency was done in the presence of UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, UIDAI Deputy Director General Manish Bhardwaj, and Starlink India Director Parnil Urdhwareshe.Starlink has also partnered with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio to distribute its services in India.