Elon Musk’s Starlink Gets Government Nod to Launch Satellite Internet in India: Plans, Prices & Timeline

Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink has officially received approval to operate in India, marking a significant step in bridging the digital divide in underserved and remote regions. According to a news agency, India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) granted a Unified Licence to Starlink, allowing it to deliver satellite-based internet services across the country.

Starlink Set to Launch in India After Receiving Government Licence

The licence approval coincides with the 30th anniversary of India’s first mobile phone call, made on July 31, 1995, highlighting the country’s significant journey in telecommunications.

Official Confirmation and Next Steps

Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed the approval and emphasized the groundwork done to facilitate the upcoming rollout:

“Frameworks for spectrum allocation and gateway establishment are ready, ensuring smooth rollout,” quoted PTI.

The approval comes after a long evaluation process that began in 2021. Although the licence has now been granted, commercial service is still dependent on spectrum allocation, which is being developed under a consultation process by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

Regulatory Hurdles: Why Starlink’s Entry Was Delayed

The application faced delays due to a range of regulatory checks and issues surrounding spectrum policy. India's current spectrum allocation process requires additional regulatory approvals even after the Unified Licence is issued.

The TRAI’s consultation paper on satellite connectivity outlines how spectrum will be assigned, and until these frameworks are finalized, Starlink cannot begin commercial operations.

Starlink Plans: What Will It Cost in India?

While the final rollout date is pending, Starlink’s pricing and service plans are already generating buzz. As per reports cited by PTI:

• Hardware Cost: Approximately Rs 33,000 one-time for the Starlink Kit, which includes a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, and mounting hardware.

• Monthly Subscription: Expected to cost around Rs 3,000 for unlimited data.

• Internet Speeds: Estimated between 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps, depending on location and network load.

• Trial Pricing: A promotional plan might be launched at around Rs 850/month, though pricing is yet to be confirmed officially.

The company plans to initially cap the service at 2 million users, primarily targeting rural and remote areas where traditional broadband services are scarce or unreliable.

Why India Matters: Closing the Rural Connectivity Gap

Starlink’s entry comes at a time when over 65% of India’s rural population still lacks reliable internet access, according to the IAMAI-Kantar ICUBE Report 2023. Satellite-based internet is seen as a transformative solution for:

• Remote and hilly terrain

• Areas lacking fibre-optic infrastructure

• Emergency communications and disaster zones

• Supporting e-governance and digital literacy initiatives

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has emphasized the crucial role satellite broadband will play in democratizing internet access.

Competitive Landscape: Starlink vs OneWeb vs Jio-SES

Starlink is not the only player eyeing India’s satellite internet market, which is poised for massive growth:

Eutelsat OneWeb

• Backed by Bharti Enterprises

• Has government approval but awaits spectrum allotment

Jio-SES

• A joint venture with Luxembourg’s SES

• Cleared by the Indian government, also pending spectrum distribution

As the spectrum policy evolves, these companies will likely launch competing services alongside Starlink, intensifying the race to serve digital Bharat.

A New Chapter in India’s Digital Evolution

During the licence announcement, Minister Scindia reflected on India’s digital transformation:

“The progress made over the past 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership [is] nothing short of extraordinary.”

With Starlink now officially licensed and infrastructure groundwork underway, India is on the verge of a new connectivity era powered by low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

What Happens Next?

With the licensing complete, all eyes are now on TRAI’s upcoming spectrum policy. Once finalized:

• Starlink will activate satellite-based services nationwide

• Coverage will extend even to India’s most rural, tribal, and underserved regions

• India’s internet penetration and digital inclusion could see a massive leap forward

Conclusion 

The Indian government's decision to grant Elon Musk’s Starlink a Unified Licence marks a significant leap toward bridging the country’s digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved regions. With satellite-based internet poised to reach areas where fiber networks and traditional telecom infrastructure struggle, Starlink could revolutionize connectivity for millions.

While regulatory hurdles like spectrum allocation still remain, the groundwork is in place for a potentially game-changing rollout. The proposed plans—including affordable entry-level options and high-speed data—make the service appealing to both households and institutions in remote zones. Starlink’s entry also intensifies competition, with players like OneWeb and Jio-SES gearing up for their own launches.

As India commemorates 30 years since its first mobile call, the Starlink approval symbolizes how far the nation has come—and how much farther it can go. Once spectrum policies are finalized, Starlink is expected to transform India’s digital landscape with fast, accessible, and reliable satellite internet