Starlink is all set to enter India's telecommunications sector by the year-end. It has got the letter of intent (LoI) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which completed a crucial regulatory milestone. Starlink is now waiting for final approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and spectrum allocation before rolling out its internet services in India.
For familiarity, Starlink is a subsidiary of SpaceX and is operated by Starlink Services, LLC. It is a satellite internet constellation. A satellite internet constellation is a framework designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to worldwide users, especially reaching remote and underserved regions. As per the data of June 2024, Starlink has over 6,200 satellites in orbit and is planning to expand the number to 42,000. Its services are already available in more than 100 countries and territories, with millions of subscribers. This service is helpful in those regions where infrastructure and internet cables can’t reach.
The main components of this framework are multiple low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, satellites that orbit the Earth at altitudes between 160 and 2,000 kilometres, and the orbit period is less than 128 minutes. Other components include three satellite gateway stations, which are to be set up in Mumbai, Pune, and Indore, plus a point of presence (PoP) in Mumbai to link its LEO satellite network with terrestrial internet infrastructure. Finally, hardware, including Starlink kit (dish and router)or Wi-Fi connections.
Starlink has the goal to provide unlimited data plans with speeds ranging from 25 to 220 Mbps in India, depending on region and satellite coverage. The service will be offered in both urban and rural locations, with a special focus on regions that do not have reliable internet infrastructure. The promotional prices of the services are expected to be under $10 per month (about ₹840), aiming to quickly attract a large base of customers and thrive in the competition. Clients would also be required to purchase the Starlink kit, which ranges from $250 to $380 (₹21,300–₹32,400) as a one-time investment cost.
For regulatory context, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended putting a 4% levy on the gross revenue of the company and an 8% licence fee. A minimum annual spectrum fee of ₹3,500 per MHz can also be charged. Due to these regulations, urban users may suffer ₹500 in additional charges per year, while rural users are exempt from this. Senior Starlink executives have discussed the investment, technology integration, and regulatory compliance with the Indian government officials, including Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
Starlink signed partnership agreements with major Indian telecom players such as Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel in March 2025 to support the satellite internet services rollout and distribution. Jio has planned to offer Starlink services through its physical stores and online platforms, while Airtel will offer Starlink equipment in its retail outlets. It will further provide Starlink’s enterprise services to schools, healthcare centres, businesses, and communities. Starlink is also in talks with companies like BSNL, Nelco (Tata Group), Hughes Communications, and Vodafone Idea to expand its footprint in India. All of the partnerships are non-exclusive, ensuring the maximum reach of Starlink.
It is estimated that even a 1% share of India’s broadband market could generate an annual revenue of nearly $1 billion for Starlink, considering the growing demand for reliable and strong internet in a vast population of the nation. Starlink aims to build 10 million subscribers in the medium and long term. It also has to compete with other satellite internet providers, like Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications, that are also preparing to enter the Indian market, making for fierce competition. Starlink’s bigger challenge would be to compete with 5G and fixed wireless access (FWA) networks that are expanding rapidly in urban and semi-urban markets due to their affordability and low cost as compared to satellite internet.
Starlink can face several challenges with price-sensitive mainstream consumers due to the high upfront cost of its hardware kit, which is priced between $250 and $380. This poses a significant barrier compared to local fibre broadband services, which have relatively low installation fees and hassle and offer lucrative entertainment options. Although it aims to offer promotional monthly plans under ₹1,000, these are still expected to be 9–175% more expensive than existing broadband internet providers. Additionally, the taxes and bandwidth charges will further increase the annual charges. Starlink's capacity can only support about 1.5 million users by the end of the decade, which falls excessively short of demands. Early availability would also be limited. Recent concerns around potential geopolitical risks and data privacy add to the vulnerability. The company is still waiting for further approvals and bandwidth allocation, which could significantly delay the launch.
Despite all the challenges, there are many compelling advantages, especially for vast rural and remote regions of India, where internet connectivity is lacking due to infrastructure shortages. A satellite-based system bypasses the need for traditional ground infrastructure, such as fibre cables or cell towers, for internet connectivity. It is considered highly reliable for calamity-hit and disaster-prone areas, reducing the dependency on physical infrastructure. Satellite internet can further be used in times of climatic and war crises to provide uninterrupted services, making it reliable for delivering high-speed (25–220 Mbps) and low-latency internet to underserved areas where conventional broadband might be unavailable. The improved connectivity in remote places can drive significant economic and social development by promoting new opportunities for online education, healthcare, and business development. Additionally, Starlink’s service can be deployed much more quickly than laying cables or building towers, which is particularly valuable for temporary setups.
Considering the vast possibilities and partnerships of Starlink with the Indian government and private telecom companies, it would be interesting to look for the future potential of satellite-based internet services in India. It could revolutionise connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas. With Starlink's advanced technology and the backing of both government and private telecom companies, we may soon see a significant reduction in the digital divide, enabling broader access to information and opportunities for millions.