Starlink has received a Letter of Intent from India's DoT and awaits GMPCS license and In-SPACe approval.
Expected to offer unlimited data plans under $10, though TRAI proposes regulatory fees and urban pricing.
Indian users may see speeds from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps, with hardware pricing yet to be disclosed.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned satellite internet service, Starlink, is gearing up to launch in India soon. The company has already received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It is now awaiting the Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) license for the deployment of satellite terminals. According to reports, the company has already fulfilled all the security compliance requirements outlined in the Letter of Intent (LoI). Once the GMPCS is acquired, SpaceX will need authorisation for Starlink’s services from the Indian space regulator, In-SPACe.
Here’s everything we know about the Starlink satellite services in India.
Starlink launch timeline in India (expected)
Although Starlink has received a Letter of Intent from the DoT, the company is expected to start offering its service sometime later this year or early next year. Before commencing its service, the company will require final approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre.
Also read: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max leaks: Launch timeline, features, camera, display, price and more
Starlink plans, pricing in India, speed and other details
While SpaceX is yet to reveal details on the Starlink service cost in India, reports suggest that internet service may offer unlimited data plans in India at promotional prices of under $10 (roughly Rs 840). However, 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 annual fee of Rs 3,500 per MHz for satellite spectrum. Further, the company will also be required to pay an 8 per cent license fee to offer services commercially in India.
Notably, the standard Starlink in the US costs $349 (roughly Rs 30,000), while the mini hardware kit is available at $599 (approximately Rs 43,000). The hardware cost in India is yet to be known.
Additionally, the internet service provider may offer speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps in India, depending on the location and satellite coverage.
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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
