Starlink secured an important license from the Ministry of Telecommunications. This development positions Starlink alongside Bharti Airtel’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s satellite arm as one of the few entities permitted to offer satellite-based internet in the country. This licence is a major step forward, clearing the way for commercial operations and infrastructure deployment in India.
Charges for the Indian Market
As per media reports, Starlink will charge ₹3,000 per month for unlimited satellite internet access. The required receiver kit will cost a one-time fee of ₹33,000. Earlier, Starlink’s India operations had hinted at a higher pricing model. Sanjay Bhargava, former India head, estimated the first-year cost at ₹1.58 lakh, dropping to ₹1.15 lakh in later years. The latest plan aligns closely with Starlink’s rollout in Bangladesh, which follows a similar model.
Bandwidth and Coverage Goals
Starlink will deliver between 600 and 700 Gbps bandwidth via its constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The network is designed to serve remote and rural areas where traditional broadband and mobile data services are limited or unavailable. Although India has among the world’s cheapest mobile data rates, Starlink targets consumers in areas with little to no access to terrestrial internet, offering premium connectivity where it’s needed most.
Wide Presence Across Asia
Starlink has already launched services in several Asian markets, including Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bhutan, the Philippines, and Bangladesh. Residential Lite plans across these regions generally range between ₹2,600 to ₹3,000 monthly, while full standard plans can range between ₹4,000 and ₹6,000, depending on local infrastructure and demand. In Bangladesh, the first-year cost is around ₹66,000, similar to the proposed cost model for India.
Pending Regulatory Challenges
Although the licence is a milestone, Starlink still awaits final regulatory clearance. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has not yet completed spectrum allocation guidelines, which must be approved by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) before service can begin. These remaining approvals are critical for full operational rollout in India’s broadband ecosystem.
Attractive Offers
To attract clients, Starlink will offer a one-month complimentary trial with every gadget purchase, allowing users to test the service before committing to monthly payments. The satellite service intends to overcome connectivity gaps in India’s distant and underdeveloped areas, where traditional broadband infrastructure has suffered deployment and maintenance issues. Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellite network is intended to bring high-speed internet connectivity to locations where traditional providers have failed to expand their services.
Experts believe that Starlink’s debut will increase competition in India’s telecommunications sector while also providing critical access to rural areas, educational institutions, and organisations. With regulatory approval in hand and competitive pricing in place, Starlink is all set to become a major player in India’s satellite internet space. While some regulatory hurdles remain, its focus on connecting rural and remote regions positions it as a major player for filling a critical gap in the country’s digital infrastructure.
