Starlink, the satellite-based internet service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is gearing up to launch operations in India within the next 9 to 12 months, according to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The initial rollout will deliver 600 to 700 Gbps (gigabits per second) of bandwidth, capable of supporting between 30,000 to 50,000 users in select cities and densely populated areas.
This capacity is expected to scale significantly over time, with Starlink aiming for up to 3 Tbps (terabits per second) by 2027, pending regulatory clearance.
Infrastructure and Gateways
To support its India operations, Starlink has identified 2 to 3 ‘Earth station’ sites, each expected to house up to 9 satellite gateways. These gateways act as crucial nodes that connect user terminals to Starlink’s satellite constellation, facilitating high-speed data transmission via the global internet backbone.
Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Model & Pricing
Starlink plans to introduce a direct-to-consumer (DTC) model in India, allowing users to bypass traditional Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Reliance Jio. This means individuals will be able to purchase Starlink services and equipment directly.
- The Starlink kit, which includes a ground terminal, will be priced between $250 to $600 (approx. ₹20,000 to ₹50,000).
- While this aligns with Starlink’s global pricing, affordability may be a concern given India’s price-sensitive market and the nation’s low average cost of mobile data.
Despite this, Jio and Airtel have reportedly signed B2B agreements with Starlink to offer satellite internet services for enterprise and remote connectivity.
Regulatory Approvals & Licensing
Starlink’s official launch hinges on the final approval of its telecom license by the Indian government. The DoT has already issued a Letter of Intent to the company, and Starlink’s Global Licensing Head, Parnil Urdhwareshe, met with officials earlier this month to advance discussions.
- The license is expected to be granted by mid-June, subject to Starlink’s unconditional acceptance of regulatory terms.
- The DoT is also working on securing bank guarantees from satellite communication providers, including Starlink.
India: A Key Market for Starlink
After initial resistance from Indian telecom operators in 2022, the government in October 2024 decided to allot spectrum to satellite operators like Starlink.
Industry experts see India as a major growth driver. According to Caleb Henry, Director of Research at space investment firm Quilty Space, Starlink is projected to add 3 million users globally in 2025, with 1 million expected from Asia—India leading the surge.
“India will be the biggest contributor to Starlink’s growth in Asia,” Henry told Reuters. As Starlink moves closer to launch, it is poised to revolutionize internet access in remote and underserved areas of India, pushing forward the country’s digital inclusion agenda.
