Elon Musk’s Starlink is gearing up to launch it’s satellite broadband services in India, promising cutting edge technology and enhanced connectivity for rural and remote areas. With a reputation for frequent, low-cost launches that continually updating its satellite fleet, the company is on the verge of receiving a crucial licence from the Indian government.
Regulatory Progress and Licensing
Starlink is expected to secure approval this week after clarifiying its shareholding details to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Once the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) sends it’s recommendation to top officials, Starlink could soon be granted a letter of intent. The company’s 2022 application for a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence would make it the third player in India—joining Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb—to operate under this framework. However, even after these clearances, Starlink will still need permission from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre to set up earth stations, plus the allocation of spectrum by the DoT, before services can begin.
Past Hurdles
Previously, in 2021, Starlink encountered regulatory challenges when it started accepting pre-orders for its user terminals without the necessary approvals. This led to directives from the government to refund the collected fees and resulted in the resignation of the head of it’s India operations. Although the company planned trials to showcase its satellite communication capabilities in 2022, those were halted by the authorities.
Starlink internet Technology and User Benefits
Unlike traditional satellite internet that relies on geostationary satellites with high latency, Starlink uses a constellation of over 5,000 low-earth orbit satellites. This innovative approach brings latency down to around 25 miliseconds—ideal for streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming. Typical download speeds range between 25 and 220 Mbps (with most users enjoying speeds over 100 Mbps), while uploads fall between 5 and 20 Mbps. Such performance makes Starlink particularly appealing for regions where conventional broadband infrastructure is either unavailable or too costly to deploy.
Starlink internet cost in india
While official pricing has yet to be announced, estimates suggest that the first year’s cost could be around Rs 1,58,000. This estimate includes a one-time equipment fee of approximately Rs 37,400 and a monthly service charge of about Rs 7,425, all subject to a 30% tax. From the second year onward—once the initial equipment purchase is accounted for—the annual cost may drop to roughly Rs 1,15,000. Despite these figures, Starlink’s premium pricing is likely to make it a niche offering compared to more affordable broadband options from providers like Jio and Airtel.
A Global Perspective
Globally, Starlink’s innovative satellite network distinguishes itself from traditional geostationary systems by offering significantly reduced latency and improved reliability. The ability to launch satellites on-demand via SpaceX’s efficient, cost-effective methods means Starlink’s technology remains on the cutting edge continuously evolving to meet modern internet demands.
Overall
While Starlink’s entry into India could revolutionize connectivity for underserved regions, its high costs may restrict its appeal to premium or niche markets. Nonetheless, for areas where traditional broadband is not feasible, Starlink could provide a transformative solution, bridging the digital divide and opening up new opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic development.