Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet venture, is finally moving toward its long-anticipated launch in India. With regulatory approvals now in place from IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center), the company is expected to go live in late 2025 or early 2026. The approval includes spectrum access and licensing to operate its Gen1 satellite network over Indian territory until 2030.
While Starlink hasn’t officially named it “Starlink 3.0,” the upcoming upgrade to its satellite network promises a dramatic leap in performance. Starting in 2026, SpaceX plans to roll out a new generation of satellites capable of delivering internet speeds up to 10 times faster than the current service.
These satellites are expected to drastically improve download and upload capacities. Each will reportedly provide over 1,000 Gbps (1 Tbps) in download capacity and more than 200 Gbps in upload, compared to current satellites delivering far lower bandwidth.
At launch, Starlink plans to provide speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps to Indian users. While that may not sound revolutionary compared to fiber-optic connections in cities, it can be a lifesaver for rural areas and remote regions where traditional broadband infrastructure is lacking or completely unavailable.
The network will use Ka and Ku band frequencies to beam high-speed satellite broadband directly to user terminals on the ground, ensuring widespread coverage even in low-connectivity regions.
The upgraded satellite system brings significant hardware and software enhancements. Key improvements include:
Beamforming capabilities for more targeted signal delivery
Advanced onboard processing for faster routing
Lower altitude orbits, which reduce latency and improve real-time performance
60 Tbps of added capacity per launch, massively expanding total bandwidth
These advancements are aimed at delivering faster, more stable, and lower-latency internet across both rural and urban landscapes.
Starlink is already operational in over 100 countries, serving more than 6 million users worldwide. The addition of India — one of the largest and fastest-growing internet markets — marks a major milestone in Starlink’s global expansion strategy.
By bringing high-speed satellite connectivity to underserved areas, Starlink has the potential to bridge the digital divide in India, offering educational, healthcare, and economic opportunities to millions.
While Starlink has yet to reveal exact pricing for the Indian market, global benchmarks suggest the standard hardware kit may cost around ₹33,000, with monthly subscriptions ranging between ₹3,000 and ₹4,200.
Additionally, the company is reportedly exploring partnerships with Indian telecom giants like Jio and Airtel to enhance service accessibility and local support.
India still has large pockets of population with little to no access to reliable internet. Starlink’s satellite broadband could change that dramatically by:
Enabling online education in remote villages
Supporting telemedicine and healthcare delivery
Powering small businesses and local startups
Enabling smart agriculture solutions through IoT
With over 60% of India’s population still living in rural areas, Starlink’s presence could play a vital role in inclusive digital growth.
Conclusion: A New Era of Connectivity for India
Starlink’s upcoming launch in India, combined with its next-gen satellites, signals a transformative leap for internet access across the country. While cities already enjoy high-speed broadband, Starlink’s real promise lies in reaching the last mile — ensuring that even the most remote communities are not left behind.
As 2026 approaches, the world — and especially India — is watching closely to see how this space-powered internet revolution unfolds.