Prime Highlights
- Elon Musk-owned Starlink has received official approval from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), allowing the company to start satellite-based broadband services in the country.
- The service aims to expand internet connectivity in remote and underserved areas, offering speeds between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps.
Key Facts
- Starlink plans to set up ground stations in 10 locations across India, with Mumbai as the central hub, and is expected to begin operations by the end of 2025.
- Premium pricing includes a one-time hardware cost of Rs 30,000–35,000 and monthly subscription fees of Rs 3,000–4,200 depending on usage and location.
Background
Elon Musk-owned Starlink has received official approval from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), paving the way for the company to start satellite-based internet services in the country. This marks the first time any company will offer direct satellite broadband to Indian users.
The approval brings Starlink closer to beginning full-scale operations, which sources say could start “very soon.” The company’s entry comes amid concerns from Indian telecom players such as Jio and Airtel, who have requested a proper spectrum auction and priority allocation for domestic companies.
Starlink is developing infrastructure in India. It is reported that the company will establish ground stations in 10 locations around the country, with Mumbai at the center. The company is in the process of finalizing its rollout plan by conducting security checks and other groundwork.
Even though the precise launch date is still not known, according to industry experts, Starlink will start operating by the end of 2025. The service will also focus on increasing the coverage of the internet in remote and border areas where there is a lack of or insufficient reliable connections.
The service will have a speed of 25 Mbps up to 220 Mbps. Such speeds may be small compared to what would be used by urban users on fiber networks, but may dramatically enhance connectivity in rural and underserved locations. Starlink also intends to partner with other telecommunication companies in the country to improve coverage and connectivity.
Premium pricing of the service is expected. Depending on the location and data requirements, customers may be required to pay a one-time hardware cost of Rs 30,000 -35,000 as well as monthly subscription fees of Rs 3,000-4,200.
The introduction of Starlink will bring a revolution in the internet service within India, as the country will be connected to the use of satellites to provide internet connectivity to areas where there has been a challenge in accessing broadband.
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