Starlink Cleared for Launch in India: Elon Musk’s Satellite Internet Service to Begin Soon – Plans, Prices & Rollout Timeline
Elon Musk’s Starlink has received regulatory approval to launch satellite internet in India. Learn about expected pricing, rollout timeline, hardware costs, and how it aims to transform rural and remote internet access
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Starlink, the satellite-based internet service by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has officially received approval to operate in India. The final clearance was granted by IN-SPACe, India’s space regulator, allowing Starlink to provide high-speed internet using its constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
This approval comes after the company secured a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in 2022, enabling Starlink to offer services directly to consumers.
Expected Launch Timeline
Although Starlink has the necessary licenses, the actual rollout is expected to take place by late 2025 or early 2026. Before launch, Starlink must:
- Receive spectrum allocation from the Indian government
- Establish ground stations for network infrastructure
- Complete security and technical clearances
The rollout is expected to begin with remote and rural areas, which suffer from limited internet access, and eventually expand to more regions.
Starlink India: Plans and Pricing
As per sources, Starlink plans to offer services in India at a monthly cost of ₹3,000 to ₹4,000, with some reports hinting at introductory plans under ₹1,000 per month for early users. The service will come with unlimited data and fast, stable connectivity, especially aimed at areas lacking fiber or mobile network infrastructure.
Hardware Cost:
Customers will need to purchase a Starlink kit, including the satellite dish and router, which is expected to be priced around ₹30,000–₹33,000.
Key Benefits of Starlink in India
- High-speed satellite internet access in remote villages, mountains, deserts, and border areas
- Backup connectivity for urban households and enterprises
- Lower latency and improved performance compared to traditional satellite services
- Potential for Starlink to partner with local ISPs like Jio and Airtel for wider reach
Competition & Regulatory Environment
Starlink will compete with other satellite internet ventures like:
- OneWeb (Bharti-backed)
- JioSpaceFiber (Jio-SES JV)
- Amazon’s Project Kuiper (upcoming)
India's Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) is expected to set guidelines on spectrum pricing and allocation to further enable the entry of satellite internet providers.
With IN-SPACe’s approval, Elon Musk’s Starlink is set to revolutionize India’s broadband landscape, especially in areas where traditional internet fails to reach. As the service gears up for launch by 2026, it promises faster, more reliable internet connectivity backed by cutting-edge satellite technology.
