Starlink is set to enter the Indian market after securing the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The service promises high-speed, low-latency internet across remote and underserved regions.
Pricing Breakdown: What to Expect
According to Business Standard, Starlink’s pricing in India will follow global trends, not the low-cost expectations typical of the Indian telecom space.
- Setup Kit Cost: ₹33,000
This includes:- Starlink Dish
- Kickstand
- Gen 3 Router
- Cables and Power Supply
- AC Adapter
- Monthly Plans: ₹3,000 to ₹4,200
For unlimited data, tailored toward residential users who need consistent access for streaming, video conferencing, and gaming.
Retail Availability & Partnerships
In a strategic move, Airtel and Reliance Jio retail outlets are expected to stock the Starlink hardware. This partnership, announced in March, could accelerate adoption and expand satellite internet accessibility across difficult terrains.
The two telecom giants are also expected to leverage Starlink’s satellite network to bolster their own services in hard-to-reach areas.
Why It Matters
- Wider Internet Access: Crucial for rural and mountainous regions with poor connectivity
- Tech Backbone: Starlink operates nearly 7,000 active satellites, enabling broadband-grade speeds even in the remotest locations
- Potential Game-Changer: With India’s push for Digital Bharat, Starlink’s arrival could fill crucial infrastructure gaps
Concerns Over Pricing
Initial hopes for a cheaper offering (around $10 or ₹850/month) appear unlikely. The actual plans for Indian users may mirror regional markets like Bangladesh and Bhutan, prioritizing network capacity and global costs over affordability.
However, there may be lower-cost plans with data caps down the line.
What’s Next?
Now that licensing is in place and pricing details are emerging, all eyes are on the official launch date. Once the pilot deployments and partnership rollouts begin, India will join the list of nations tapping into next-gen satellite internet for universal connectivity.
