Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, has officially received clearance to operate in India, marking a major step in the country’s push to expand high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas. The Department of Telecommunications granted Starlink a Unified Licence earlier in July, allowing the company to deliver broadband via its low-earth orbit satellites. Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that the regulatory framework, including spectrum allocation and gateway infrastructure, is ready, ensuring a smoother rollout in the coming months.
Starlink’s entry is expected to work in tandem with existing telecom giants such as Jio, Airtel, and BSNL, particularly in urban and semi-urban markets where traditional networks are already strong. Rather than competing, Starlink’s services aim to supplement India’s connectivity landscape by targeting difficult-to-reach rural zones. The hardware, which includes a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, and mounting tools, is expected to cost around ₹33,000. Monthly subscription fees are pegged at ₹3,000 for unlimited usage, though limited-time promotional plans may begin at ₹850.
The expected internet speed for Starlink customers in India will range between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps, depending on location and network congestion. However, initial access will be restricted to just two million users as the service focuses on phased deployment. Notably, this development intensifies competition in the satellite internet segment, where Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and the Jio-SES joint venture are also preparing to launch services, pending spectrum approvals.
Looking ahead, Starlink’s ambitions include deploying a new generation of satellites capable of over 1,000 Gbps bandwidth per unit. Scheduled to begin launching in 2026, these next-gen satellites promise a tenfold increase in internet speed and reliability, making Starlink even more valuable for regions with limited or no connectivity. With the regulatory green light now secured, all eyes are on the final spectrum allocation, which will determine when and how quickly Starlink can begin servicing Indian households and businesses.
