Elon Musk’s Starlink is set to begin operations in India after receiving spectrum approval from the Department of Telecommunications. This approval makes Starlink the first company cleared to provide satellite-based internet services to Indian consumers. With groundwork underway, the company is moving closer to launching its service “very soon” despite opposition from existing players such as Jio and Airtel, who have pushed for spectrum auctions and priority allocation to domestic firms.
Reports suggest Starlink is setting up ground facilities across the country, including around 10 sites, with Mumbai likely to serve as the central hub for its operations. Security checks and infrastructure setups are already in progress as the company prepares for its rollout. While the exact launch date has not yet been confirmed, speculation points to a debut before the end of 2025.
The arrival of Starlink is expected to reshape India’s connectivity landscape, especially in hard-to-reach and border regions where reliable internet coverage remains a challenge. By offering satellite-powered broadband, Starlink could play a vital role in bridging the digital divide, extending fast internet access to rural and underserved areas.
Early reports indicate that Starlink will provide internet speeds ranging between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps. Although these speeds may not seem exceptional in metro cities with established fibre networks, they could be transformative in areas that lack consistent connectivity. By collaborating with Indian telecom providers, Starlink aims to create a niche among users in remote regions.
However, access to Starlink’s services is expected to come at a premium. Customers will reportedly need to pay a one-time equipment fee of about Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 for the hardware kit. In addition, monthly subscription charges are projected to range between Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,200 depending on location and data requirements.
With its anticipated launch, Starlink could mark the beginning of a new era of satellite-powered internet in India, expanding digital access and transforming connectivity for millions.
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