Elon Musk’s Starlink is moving closer to launching satellite broadband services in India after receiving provisional spectrum for trials. The move aims to expand internet access in remote and underserved areas, offering a faster, more reliable alternative to traditional broadband infrastructure.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has outlined the initial framework for Starlink’s operations in India. The company will first establish ground infrastructure at 10 sites nationwide, with Mumbai serving as the central hub.
Starlink must:
Build landing stations, the hardware that links satellites to terrestrial networks
Ensure compliance with Indian security norms
Once these steps are complete, Starlink can move toward full commercial roll-out. Final spectrum allocation is pending, with the Digital Communications Commission scheduled to decide on pricing and terms. Recommendations from the commission will be sent to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) before formal services can begin.
Officials indicate that Starlink’s pricing in India will be significantly lower than in neighboring countries such as Bhutan and Bangladesh, where monthly charges are around Rs 3,000 with a one-time installation fee of Rs 30,000.
Given India’s larger customer base, tariffs are expected to be approximately one-third of these rates, making high-speed satellite internet more affordable for households and businesses.
Satellite broadband is particularly suited for:
Remote or mountainous regions
Disaster-prone areas
Locations where laying fiber-optic cables is impractical or costly
This could drastically improve internet penetration in underserved areas, bridging the digital divide in India.
Starlink has been pursuing the Indian market since 2021. Early regulatory hurdles arose when the company accepted pre-orders without government clearance, prompting authorities to order customer refunds.
To ensure compliance, Starlink has collaborated with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for Aadhaar-based customer verification. This step streamlines user registration and strengthens security protocols for the upcoming launch.
India’s satellite broadband market is attracting other global players:
Amazon’s Project Kuiper is awaiting regulatory approvals
Globalstar, Apple’s satellite communications partner, has expressed interest in launching services in India
Starlink’s entry into over 125 countries gives it a competitive advantage, leveraging global experience to tailor offerings to Indian users.
Starlink’s satellite network relies on low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that provide low-latency, high-speed internet. In India, the company plans to:
Deploy landing stations at strategic locations
Connect satellites to local terrestrial networks for seamless service
This approach ensures reliable broadband access even in areas where conventional connectivity is limited.
The launch of Starlink in India aligns with the government’s Digital India initiative by:
Expanding internet coverage to rural and remote regions
Supporting education, healthcare, and business activities through better connectivity
Enabling disaster management and emergency communications in vulnerable areas
Affordable satellite internet could accelerate digital inclusion and boost economic growth in previously underserved regions.
Conclusion
Starlink’s provisional spectrum approval marks a significant milestone for satellite broadband in India. With affordable pricing, extensive infrastructure, and regulatory compliance, Starlink is poised to provide reliable, high-speed internet to millions, particularly in remote and disaster-prone areas. Alongside other global competitors, Starlink could transform India’s digital landscape, supporting both commercial and social development initiatives.