Starlink Set to Launch in India with ‘Affordable’ Subscription Plans Starting at ₹840 per Month
Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, is gearing up for its highly anticipated launch in India, offering unlimited high-speed internet at competitive prices. Reports suggest that monthly subscription plans could start as low as ₹840 ($10), with higher-tier options reaching up to ₹7,000, depending on the plan and location 16. However, users will need to invest in a one-time hardware purchase, priced between $349 and $599 (₹29,000–₹50,000), to access the service.
Affordable Pricing with a Catch
Starlink’s aggressive pricing strategy aims to attract 10 million subscribers in India, particularly in rural and underserved areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is lacking 111. The $10/month promotional plan is significantly cheaper than Starlink’s offerings in other countries—such as the U.S. ($120/month) and Bangladesh (₹4,200/month)—making it one of the most affordable satellite internet services globally 16.
However, additional costs may apply. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed a ₹500 monthly surcharge for urban users, along with 4% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) and an 8% license fee for operators. If approved, these fees could increase the overall cost for consumers 111.
High-Speed Connectivity with Limitations
Starlink’s initial phase in India will offer 600–700 Gbps bandwidth, serving 30,000–50,000 customers in select urban areas before expanding nationwide 3. The company plans to scale up to 3 Terabits per second (Tbps) by 2027, ensuring wider coverage and faster speeds 3.
Despite its potential, technical constraints may limit growth. Currently, only 700–800 satellites cover India (0.7% of global capacity), which pales in comparison to India’s 800,000+ telecom towers 26. This could restrict service availability, especially in densely populated regions.
Strategic Partnerships and Regulatory Hurdles
Starlink has partnered with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel for distribution, leveraging their vast customer base 12. It has also secured a Letter of Intent (LoI) from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and awaits final approval from IN-SPACe, the space regulatory body 710.
Who Will Benefit Most?
Starlink’s low-latency, high-speed internet will be a game-changer for:
- Rural and remote communities with poor connectivity.
- Businesses, schools, and healthcare centers needing reliable broadband.
- Travelers and mobile users, as Starlink may offer mobility services unavailable from competitors like OneWeb and Jio-SES 10.
Final Thoughts
Starlink’s entry could disrupt India’s telecom market, competing with 5G FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) services from Jio and Airtel. While the upfront hardware cost remains a hurdle, the low monthly fees could make satellite internet a viable option for millions.
