• Source:JND
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Elon Musk's satellite internet service provider, Starlink, is planning to commence operations in India but will face an overwhelming restriction on the number of users. As stated by India’s Union Minister of State for Telecom, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Starlink will be permitted to onboard 2 million customers with access to internet speeds of 200 Mbps.

The Minister, during a BSNL review meeting, said Starlink’s services will not become an anticompetitive threat to other telecom service providers because the customer cap and speed access will be suboptimal.

Starlink India Launch Timeline (Expected)

The anticipated date for Starlink’s satellite internet service is either late 2025 or early 2026. The satellite service provider is in the process of obtaining all the necessary regulatory clearances required for operation in the country.

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Starlink Plans and Pricing in India (Expected)

To capture the Indian market, Starlink is expected to offer unlimited data access for promotional prices of under $10 per month (~₹840). However, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) suggested the following:

  • A monthly fee of ₹500 for urban users.
  • A 4% fee on adjusted gross revenue (AGR).
  • A minimum annual satellite spectrum fee will be set at ₹3,500 per MHz.
  • Additionally, there is an 8% license fee on commercial activities.

Expected Starlink Hardware Prices

Pricing for India is not available yet, but it can be anticipated based on US pricing:

Starlink Kit: $349 which is nearly ₹30,000.

Starlink Mini: $599 which is nearly ₹43,000.

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What This Means for Indian Users

Starlink will deliver high-speed satellite internet to remote and rural locations where fiber optic and broadband services are limited, however their user limit of 20 lakh will limit availability in densely populated areas.

Final Thoughts

Starlink's entry into India marks increased satellite internet accessibility for rural regions where services are scarce. If approved, Starlink could offer reliable connectivity in rural regions where internet access may not be reliable; although pricing and user caps could impede widespread adoption initially. If it proves successful though, Starlink could become an integral component of India's telecom framework.