Elon Musk’s Starlink has been granted approval to provide satellite-based internet connectivity in India, paving the way for its entry into the country’s broadband market. Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed on Thursday that a regulatory framework for spectrum allocation is now established, ensuring a smooth deployment process. Starlink is preparing to launch its services in India with an expected monthly subscription of around Rs 3,000.
“Starlink has been granted a Unified License to launch satellite internet services in India. Frameworks for spectrum allocation and gateway establishment are ready, ensuring a smooth rollout,” Scindia stated.
The company has secured regulatory approval to offer satellite communication services, following in the footsteps of OneWeb and Reliance Jio. Starlink will be limited to a maximum of 2 million user connections across the country, each capable of delivering internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps.
Airtel and Jio have joined hands with Starlink to bring its fast satellite internet services to the Indian market. The Elon Musk-led venture will rely on the distribution networks of both telecom giants to roll out its offerings nationwide. Although Starlink has been seeking regulatory clearance to begin operations in India since 2022, the launch was held up due to issues such as national security-related concerns.
Starlink India launch timeline:
Starlink is likely to launch its satellite internet services in India by late 2025 or early 2026. The company is currently in the process of securing the final set of regulatory clearances required to start offering its services in the country.
Starlink Price and Setup Cost:
The Starlink Standard Kit is expected to cost close to Rs 33,000 (roughly $395), and will include a satellite dish, mounting bracket, Wi-Fi router, essential cables, and a power supply unit. The monthly service charge will be Rs 3000.
Starlink has already deployed over 6,000 satellites in orbit and plans to scale that number up to 42,000 by 2027. The service delivers internet speeds between 50 Mbps and 250 Mbps, making it ideal for reaching remote and hard-to-connect locations. A clear, open view of the sky is the only essential requirement for establishing a connection.
Currently available in more than 100 countries, Starlink is SpaceX’s ambitious satellite broadband initiative aimed at revolutionizing internet accessibility. By beaming high-speed, reliable internet from space, Starlink brings critical connectivity to regions that lack traditional infrastructure.