- By Prateek Levi
- Thu, 08 May 2025 02:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Starlink satellite internet India launch: We have been hearing about reports that suggested that Elon Musk's Starlink would soon provide internet services in India, and now Starlink has received a Letter oft (LoI) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which marks a significant step towards its pursuit of launching internet services in India. But this approval was not as easy for Starlink and comes after Starlink agreed to comply with 29 rigorous security conditions set by Indian authorities after months of negotiations and deliberations.
What Is Starlink?
Starlink currently operates a growing network of more than 7,000 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, a number projected to exceed 40,000 in the future. These LEO satellites orbit at roughly 550 kilometres above Earth, much closer than traditional geostationary satellites. That proximity helps reduce latency and allows for smooth HD video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing—even in rural and remote regions.
To secure approval, Starlink had to meet strict government demands. Among the 29 conditions are real-time tracking of user terminals, mandatory local data handling, legal interception provisions, and a requirement to localise at least 20% of its ground infrastructure within the first few years of operation.
The timing of the approval is notable. It came just as India launched its pre-dawn Operation Sindoor strikes targeting terror camps across the border, a military response to the Pahalgam massacre. However, senior DoT officials have clarified that the clearance granted to Starlink was not influenced by these military developments and was based purely on regulatory and security evaluations.
How Much Will It Cost You To Get Starlink Services?
Now that Starlink has finally crossed the regulatory barriers, a valid question comes to mind: how much will it cost the public? Some industry reports suggest that a monthly subscription could cost you somewhere between Rs 3,000 and 7,000 depending on what plan you opt for and the region. There could also be an additional cost for installing the Starlink's user terminal kit, which you can expect will cost somewhere between Rs 20,000 and 35,000. The kit shall include a satellite dish and a Wi-Fi router.
Yes, these are stiff prices and much higher than what our conventional broadband and internet service providers charge, which is somewhere around Rs 500 on average. This narrows down Starlink's customer base, and firstly, it might just be in the hands of big institutions and businesses. Although it would be quite useful for people living in remote areas where access is restricted.
What It Means For India
The price may be high, but experts on the subject suggest that it could be a game changer when it comes to rural connectivity, especially in regions with difficult terrain. It could be utilised in places where laying a fibre cable is not feasible and building towers is a task. With government subsidies and support, this could bring a significant impact on sectors like online education, healthcare and disaster response.
Although Starlink has secured a key clearance from the Department of Telecommunications, it isn’t ready to go live in India just yet. The satellite internet provider still needs the green light from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), as well as spectrum allocation from the government. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is currently working on its pricing recommendations for the administrative allocation of satellite communication spectrum.
In the meantime, Starlink isn’t sitting idle. The company has already signed partnership agreements with major Indian telecom players, including Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. These collaborations are expected to help boost Starlink’s local reach and could lead to bundled service offerings in the future.
Elon Musk is also slated to visit India later this year. His trip may involve cementing these telecom alliances and exploring broader investment opportunities in the country’s space and connectivity ecosystem.