Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, is making strides toward entering the Indian market. However, the journey for Starlink in India may not be as smooth as many thought it would be.
Known for its innovative approach to providing high-speed internet via a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink aims to bridge the connectivity gap in underserved areas in the sub-continent.
While the company has confirmed its plans to launch in India, it is yet to obtain the necessary regulatory clearances to begin operations. However, the Indian government’s decision to allocate satellite spectrum administratively—bypassing the traditional auction process—has provided a smoother path for the satellite internet provider.
Starlink In India – Pricing?
Currently, there is no official confirmation about the pricing and plans that Starlink will offer to its Indian-based customers. However, media reports claim that it will be around Rs 1,58,000 ($1900 USD approx.) in the first year. The cost will drop down to Rs 1,15,000 ( $1600 USD approx) from the second year.
Further, the cost of the equipment which users will have to purchase to avail Starlink’s services is expected to be around Rs 37,400 ($450 USD approx.). Reports also indicate that there will be an additional monthly fee of Rs 7,425 ($90 USD) for the service.
Local Competition for Starlink in India
Starlink’s entry into India places it in direct competition with major telecom players such as Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Both companies are expanding their satellite internet capabilities through partnerships with OneWeb and other global providers.
Reliance Jio, backed by Mukesh Ambani, dominates India’s telecom market with over 450 million subscribers. Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel, led by Sunil Bharti Mittal, is also a formidable player with significant investments in satellite internet technology. These companies already have a strong foothold in the market, and could provide Starlink with stiff competition.
However, Starlink’s ability to deliver internet to remote and underserved areas gives it a unique edge. For instance, regions in the northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, and parts of central India could greatly benefit from Starlink’s high-speed connectivity.
Compliance Issues
While Starlink’s launch date is yet to be confirmed, government officials have said that the company will have to comply with data localization laws to safeguard user information. This comes as Indian-based data protection advocates have raised concerns about Starlink’s operations.
A report by a Delhi-based think tank goes as far as claiming that Starlink could be a national security threat as it is capable of both “civil and military applications.”
Currently Starlink is operational in 100 countries.
