• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has expressed excitement about the potential launch of Starlink’s satellite internet services in India following high-level discussions between company officials and the Indian government. Musk responded to Union Communications Minister JyotiradityaScindia’s post on social media, writing, “Looking forward to serving India with @Starlink!”

The comment came after Starlink Vice President of Business Operations Lauren Dreyer met Scindia and senior officials to explore the expansion of satellite-based connectivity in India. 

Scindia said satellite technology would play a pivotal role in extending high-speed internet to rural and hard-to-reach regions. According to the minister, the meeting with Dreyer and senior SpaceX leadership focused on “advancing satellite-based last-mile access across India.”

He added that as the government works to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a digitally empowered India, satellite internet will help strengthen connectivity and ensure digital inclusion in remote parts of the country.

Starlink’s Plans And Challenges In India

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, runs a large constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet worldwide. The company has been keen to enter the Indian telecom market, which is one of the world’s largest and most competitive.

Starlink’s commercial launch in India is still pending. The government has not yet allocated spectrum for satellite broadband services, and security clearances are also awaited. Without these approvals, the company cannot begin commercial operations in the country.

ALSO READ: Chaos Among Teens: Australia's Social Media Ban Sparks 'End Of The World' Reactions

'Pricing Likely To Be Higher'

According to JM Financial, Starlink’s pricing in India is expected to be significantly higher than current broadband services. While Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel offer fibre and fixed wireless internet plans ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month, Starlink’s services may cost three to five times more.

Despite the higher expected pricing, satellite internet is seen as a crucial solution for regions where laying fibre or building mobile towers is difficult or uneconomical. 

Starlink’s website briefly displayed subscription prices and offers for India, sparking speculation that services were about to launch. The company later clarified that this was the result of a technical error.

Lauren Dreyer stated that the Starlink India website is not live, pricing has not been officially announced, and no customer orders are being accepted. She explained that a configuration glitch exposed dummy test data, which was quickly corrected.

ALSO READ: Pakistan Struggles To Revive Growth Amid High Debt, Poor Investment: IMF Report Flags Sharif's Chaotic Management

Also In News