Elon Musk is once again making headlines in India, this time with Starlink, his ambitious satellite internet venture. According to The Economic Times, the company has finally secured spectrum approval from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) after a lengthy regulatory process. With this clearance, Starlink is now positioned to begin full-scale commercial operations in the country “very soon,” marking a milestone in the nation’s digital connectivity journey.
Ground Network and Operations Hub
Reports indicate that Starlink has already begun activating its ground infrastructure and conducting safety checks ahead of its rollout. The company is constructing 10 base stations across India, with Mumbai serving as the central operations hub. From these satellite gateways, all data communications will be managed and routed, ensuring efficient and stable service delivery once the network officially goes live.
Pricing and Plans in India
While official announcements are still pending, recent leaks suggest the following pricing structure:
- Initial hardware setup: approximately ₹30,000 (the cost of the satellite dish and installation kit).
- Monthly subscription plans: starting at ₹3,300, with variations depending on region and usage tier.
This positions Starlink as a premium service, more expensive than traditional broadband providers. However, its value proposition lies in offering high-speed connectivity to rural and underserved regions where conventional networks have struggled to make a lasting impact.
Expected Speeds and Performance
Starlink’s performance metrics could be a game-changer for India’s digital landscape, especially in remote areas. Expected speeds include:
- Entry-level plans: 25–50 Mbps.
- Higher-tier plans: up to 220 Mbps.
For rural India, where many households currently experience sluggish or unreliable broadband, these speeds represent a significant leap forward. Faster internet could unlock opportunities in online education, telemedicine, digital banking, and e-commerce, helping millions participate more fully in the digital economy.
That said, the government has imposed a cap of 2 million connections during the initial rollout. This means not everyone interested in subscribing will have access right away, with availability likely prioritized in areas most in need of improved connectivity.
Launch Timeline
With spectrum approval in hand, Starlink is now awaiting final clearances related to SATCOM gateway operations and spectrum acquisition. If all goes according to plan, services could officially launch in December 2025 or January 2026, coinciding with a period of heightened internet demand due to economic and academic activity.
Final Thoughts
The entry of Starlink into India represents more than just another internet provider entering the market. It is a transformative step toward bridging the nation’s digital divide, particularly for rural and remote communities long left behind by traditional broadband infrastructure.
While the service will cost more than local competitors, Starlink promises faster speeds and global satellite coverage, giving it a unique edge. For millions in unconnected areas, this could mean unprecedented access to information, services, and opportunities, making Starlink one of the most significant developments in India’s digital journey.