Starlink Set to Launch in India Soon: Plans Leak Monthly Price of Just Rs 850

Elon Musk's Starlink, the satellite-based internet service from SpaceX, is expected to enter the Indian market soon. According to a report by Source, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Starlink, indicating that the regulatory groundwork is progressing. If all goes as planned, the official launch could happen within the next year.

Initial Bandwidth and Coverage Capacity 

Sources reveal that Starlink aims to begin services in India with a total bandwidth capacity ranging between 600Gbps to 700Gbps, which would initially support approximately 30,000 to 50,000 users. These early deployments are likely to be focused on urban areas, where network infrastructure and demand can help test and refine the service.

By 2027, the company plans to scale this capacity up to 3Tbps, enabling it to expand coverage across larger parts of the country, including semi-urban and rural regions.

Affordable Pricing: Plans Start at Just Rs 850

One of the most significant revelations about Starlink’s India entry is its aggressive pricing strategy. As reported by Source, leaked documents suggest that monthly plans could begin at just USD 10, or approximately Rs 850.

This is a substantial discount compared to Starlink’s current pricing in the U.S., where users pay around USD 80 per month. The low pricing is seen as part of a push to gain traction quickly, especially in a price-sensitive market like India.

Possible Unlimited Data in Launch Phase

Early users may be offered unlimited data as part of promotional offers during the launch phase. This strategy aims to draw in consumers and build brand visibility in a highly competitive internet services market. However, these offers are expected to be time-bound or limited to initial rollouts.

Regulatory Charges May Impact Final Pricing

Despite the low base price, Starlink’s long-term pricing in India may be influenced by regulatory costs. TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has suggested several charges, including:

• Rs 500 per user per month in urban areas

• 4% of revenue as regulatory fees

• 8% licensing fee

• Annual spectrum usage fee of Rs 3,500

These proposals are yet to be approved but could significantly affect Starlink’s cost structure and profit margins in India.

Game-Changer for Rural Connectivity

One of Starlink’s most promising aspects is its potential to revolutionize internet access in rural and remote regions. Traditional broadband infrastructure often fails to reach India’s vast hinterlands.

Starlink’s constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites can beam high-speed internet directly to user terminals, bypassing the need for ground infrastructure. This could be a major breakthrough in closing the digital divide and enabling online access in underserved areas.

Hardware Costs Still Unclear for Indian Market

In other countries, Starlink charges a one-time fee of USD 349 (roughly Rs 29,700) for its hardware kit, which includes a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, and mounting tripod. The exact pricing for India has not been confirmed, but it's likely the hardware cost will be adjusted to match local purchasing power and market expectations.

Final Thoughts: Starlink Could Disrupt India’s Internet Market

With affordable pricing, wide coverage potential, and minimal infrastructure dependency, Starlink is poised to make a major impact on India’s broadband ecosystem. If the service successfully navigates regulatory hurdles and meets rollout expectations, it could become a go-to internet option for rural users and even challenge traditional ISPs in urban zones.

As anticipation builds, all eyes are on the official launch date and pricing confirmation. For now, one thing is clear — Starlink is ready to reshape how India connects to the internet.