Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite venture is said to launch operations into the Indian market. Starlink is funded by SpaceX and promises high-speed internet using a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Since India has such a huge geography to cover and numerous underserved zones, Starlink’s technology has the potential to usher in a revolutionary change in internet penetration, particularly in rural and distant areas.According to the latest update, the launch is nearer than ever before with fresh information surfacing regarding timelines, anticipated user capacity, pricing models, and regulatory hurdles. Starlink has overcome an important regulatory hurdle by obtaining a Letter of Intent (LoI) from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The LoI marks the government’s initial approval for the firm to function in the nation, placing it one step ahead of a commercial launch.

Starlink to launch in India with high-speed bandwidth

Starlink will start operations in India with a bandwidth capacity of 600 Gbps to 700 Gbps, as per reports. The initial phase will target chosen urban regions, where infrastructure supports the fast deployment and testing by users.In this initial phase, Starlink will serve about 30,000 to 50,000 customers approximately. This stage-wise rollout plan enables the company to perfect its service quality and measure demand levels before expanding operations on a larger scale. Starlink’s aspirations extend well beyond this pilot phase. The organisation looks to expand its bandwidth capability to 3 Terabits per second (Tbps) by 2027, enabling it to cater to millions of customers across the nation.This bandwidth growth is important in meeting the projected demand in urban and rural India, where existing broadband infrastructure tends to offer intermittent, low-speed connectivity.

Elon Musk Starlink plans may start at $10 (Rs 850)

It is cheapliness that matters in a price-conscious market such as India. According to the ET reports, Starlink may launch $10 (approximately Rs 850) monthly plans much lower than what it offers in Western markets.For attracting initial consumers and gaining traction, the company could also provide unlimited data in limited introductory promotional offers. These promotions are likely to appeal to clients from regions where internet access is not available or is unreliable, offering them a strong substitute. Around the world, Starlink is priced from $250 to $380 (approximately Rs 21,300 and Rs 32,400 respectively).Indian users being able to access Starlink at $10 per month would be historic value, particularly for users in locations where there is no other high-speed offering.

Elon Musk Starlink launch in India: Related FAQs

When is Starlink expected to launch in India?Starlink has received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Department of Telecommunications, marking a key regulatory milestone. The commercial launch is expected soon, beginning with a pilot rollout in selected urban areas.What will be the cost of Starlink internet plans in India?Starlink may offer monthly plans starting at $10 (approximately ₹850), significantly cheaper than in Western markets. Initial promotional offers may include unlimited data to attract early users.What internet speeds and bandwidth will Starlink offer?At launch, Starlink will operate with a bandwidth capacity of 600–700 Gbps, aiming to expand to 3 Tbps by 2027. This will support high-speed internet for millions, including underserved rural areas.Who will benefit most from Starlink’s services in India?Starlink is ideal for users in rural, remote, or low-connectivity regions, offering a reliable alternative where traditional broadband is limited or unavailable.Also Read | Solar storms are killing SpaceX’s Starlink satellites and making them re-enter Earth sooner; says NASA