Starlink has received approval from IN-SPACe, clearing the last major hurdle to launch satellite internet in India.
Initial pricing may start below Rs 1,000/month with unlimited data, aiming to attract mass users.
Starlink services may begin late 2024 or early 2025 with speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps based on location.
Elon Musk’s satellite broadband service provider, Starlink, has received final regulatory approval to begin its commercial services in India, as reported by Reuters. The clearance is issued by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). It marks the last significant step before the company can officially start the roll-out in the Indian market.
SurveyStarlink has been pursuing commercial licences in India since 2022. The company received a key permit from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in June but was still awaiting approval from the country’s space regulator. With IN-SPACe’s approval, Starlink joins Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio as the third satellite internet provider with full regulatory backing in India.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Starlink launch timeline, pricing, speed, and more.
Starlink launch timeline (expected)
Although Starlink has cleared its regulatory permission from IN-SPACe, the company still needs to complete a few steps before launching its services in India. They need to obtain spectrum allocation from the government, build ground infrastructure, and conduct compliance trials to meet national security standards. Starlink is expected to roll out its services sometime later this year or early next year.
Also read: iQOO 12 5G price drops by Rs 15,000 on Amazon ahead of Prime Day sale
Starlink plans, pricing in India, hardware requirements and more
Starlink will launch unlimited data plans in India at promotional prices of under $10 per month, which is roughly Rs 840, to attract a large number of users in the early stages. TRAI has proposed a monthly charge of Rs 500 for users in urban areas, a 4 per cent fee on adjusted gross revenue, and a minimum yearly fee of Rs 3,500 per MHz for satellite spectrum. The satellite broadband service provider will also have to pay an 8 per cent license fee to offer services commercially in India.
While hardware pricing in India hasn’t been revealed yet, in the US, the standard Starlink kit costs $349 (about Rs 30,000), and the compact Starlink Mini is priced at $599 (around Rs 43,000). Internet speeds in India are expected to range from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps, depending on location and satellite coverage.
Follow Us
Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
