Key Points
- Starlink to launch in India within two months after securing key telecom license.
- One-time device cost set at ₹33,000; unlimited monthly data plan at ₹3,000.
- One-month free trial with every new connection.
- Pricing matches neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan.
- Expected to transform internet access in remote and underserved regions.
- Starlink joins OneWeb and Reliance Jio as licensed satellite internet providers in India.
New Delhi: SpaceX’s Starlink, led by Elon Musk, is gearing up to launch its much-anticipated satellite internet service in India within the next two months. The move follows Starlink’s recent approval from the Department of Telecommunications, making it the third company after OneWeb and Reliance Jio to receive a license to operate satellite internet in the country. The company is now awaiting final clearances, including spectrum allocation and security compliance, before commercial rollout begins.
Pricing Finalized: Affordable High-Speed Internet
Starlink has set a one-time price of ₹33,000 for its satellite dish device, required to access its network. The monthly unlimited data plan is pegged at ₹3,000, with a complimentary one-month free trial for all new users. This allows customers to experience Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet before committing to a subscription.
The pricing structure is regionally harmonized, matching the cost of Starlink devices in neighboring Bangladesh and Bhutan, where the equipment is also priced at ₹33,000.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation is engineered to deliver high-speed internet ranging from 25 Mbps to over 100 Mbps with minimal latency, even in locations where traditional broadband infrastructure is impractical or absent. This technology is especially significant for India’s rural and remote communities, where nearly 670 million people still lack reliable internet access.
By bypassing the need for fiber-optic cables or mobile towers, Starlink promises to bring seamless connectivity to underserved regions, educational institutions, and businesses struggling with unreliable networks.
Competitive Landscape Heats Up
With its entry, Starlink joins a rapidly evolving satellite internet market in India. Alongside OneWeb and Reliance Jio, the company is set to intensify competition, potentially driving innovation and improved services across the sector. Amazon’s Kuiper project is also awaiting regulatory approval, signaling further expansion of satellite-based connectivity options in the near future.
Partnerships and Regulatory Path
To support its rollout, Starlink has reportedly entered into agreements with major Indian telecom operators like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, leveraging existing infrastructure and navigating complex regulatory requirements. The company is currently awaiting final security clearances and spectrum allocation, with trial operations expected to begin soon.
