Starlink Nears India Launch: Unlimited Satellite Internet May Cost Rs 3,000/Month, Rs 33,000 for Kit
In a significant development for India’s digital connectivity landscape, Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture Starlink is edging closer to officially launching its services in the country.
According to a report by NDTV, the service is expected to offer unlimited high-speed internet at a monthly cost of approximately ₹3,000, with a one-time equipment charge of around ₹33,000 for the receiver kit necessary to access the satellite-based service.
Key Milestone: Crucial License Obtained
The news follows Starlink’s recent acquisition of a vital operating licence from the Ministry of Telecommunications (DoT) — a foundational regulatory requirement for foreign satellite operators entering India.
This licence brings the company one step closer to rolling out its services, and positions it alongside two domestic heavyweights — Bharti Airtel’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s satellite arm — as one of only three entities currently authorised to deliver satellite-based broadband services in the country.
Starlink’s pricing for Indian consumers mirrors its model in other South Asian markets like Bangladesh, where it has already launched. The move is expected to make internet access more inclusive, particularly for underserved rural and remote areas in India, where terrestrial infrastructure is lacking or inefficient.
Bandwidth and Technical Capacity
According to Department of Telecommunications (DoT) sources cited by NDTV, Starlink’s Indian operations aim to offer a collective bandwidth of 600 to 700 gigabits per second (Gbps).
This robust capacity is expected to support a wide range of internet users, from households to small businesses and educational institutions in rural belts that currently have limited access to reliable internet connectivity.
While Starlink is renowned for its ability to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband through a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, its operational model in India is expected to be tailored to the country’s regulatory and geographical needs.
Collaboration with Indian Telecom GiantsToo streamline its entry into the Indian market and accelerate the deployment of its infrastructure, Starlink has reportedly entered into partnerships with major telecom operators — Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.
These collaborations will allow the company to leverage existing infrastructure, including ground stations and backend telecom support, thereby easing the integration of its satellite services into India’s broader digital ecosystem.
This strategic alliance is expected to facilitate quicker rollout timelines and help Starlink navigate the country’s often complex regulatory framework more efficiently.
Regulatory Hurdles Still Ahead
While securing the telecom licence marks a major milestone, Starlink’s journey in India is far from complete. The company still needs to clear further bureaucratic and technical checkpoints before it can go fully operational.
A key requirement yet to be fulfilled is obtaining spectrum allocation, which is essential for operating satellite-based communications. Moreover, Starlink must also receive a final go-ahead from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) — the regulatory authority responsible for approving and supervising private space ventures in India.
Only after completing this approval process will Starlink be fully permitted to offer its services to Indian consumers.
Regional Footprint and Strategic Importance
Starlink already has a presence in various Asian countries such as Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Its potential expansion into the Indian market represents a significant milestone, both in terms of market size and strategic relevance, as India is poised to become one of the largest consumers of digital services globally in the coming decade.
If successful, Starlink’s entry could revolutionise internet access in rural, hilly, and geographically isolated areas, empowering communities that have so far remained digitally excluded.
What’s Next?
The anticipated launch timeline for Starlink in India stands at within 12 months, assuming all approvals proceed without major delays. Industry experts believe the arrival of satellite-based internet at this scale could reshape the competitive landscape, pushing traditional broadband and mobile operators to innovate further and expand their reach.
As the regulatory and technological processes unfold, all eyes will be on how this ambitious satellite internet project, spearheaded by one of the world’s most influential tech entrepreneurs, will integrate with India’s massive and diverse digital market.