Starlink India Launch: Spectrum Approval, Expected Rollout, Speed, and Pricing

Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture Starlink has inched closer to its entry into India. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has granted the company a provisional spectrum allocation, giving it permission to conduct network trials and prove compliance with India’s technical and security requirements.

What the Approval Means

• The spectrum allocation was issued earlier this month.

• It will remain valid for six months, or until Starlink successfully completes its demonstrations.

• Crucially, this approval does not allow commercial operations yet—it is purely for testing.

With this development, Starlink joins Reliance Jio-SES and Bharti Airtel-backed OneWeb, both of which received similar trial approvals in October 2024 to test their satellite broadband services.

DoT’s Conditions for Satellite Internet Trials

The DoT has enforced strict guidelines for operators during the testing phase:

• Trial networks must remain isolated, secure, and free from vulnerabilities.

• Companies must ensure their equipment is not misused or accessed by unauthorised parties.

• If trial operations interfere with India’s existing telecom services, companies must immediately suspend activities until issues are fixed.

When Will Starlink Launch in India?

Although this approval is a major milestone, Starlink still requires a few more licences before its commercial rollout. These include:

• Satcom gateway approvals

• Points of Presence (PoPs)

• Spectrum rights for networking hardware

Once these clearances are in place, Starlink could launch in India in the coming months. However, the company has not announced an official launch date yet.

Starlink Speed and Pricing in India

As per early reports, Starlink’s expected performance and pricing in India are as follows:

• Internet speed: Between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps, depending on location and signal strength.

• One-time hardware cost: Around ₹30,000 (includes satellite dish and router).

• Monthly subscription fee: Likely to start from ₹3,300 per month.

What’s Next for Starlink?

Looking ahead, Starlink is preparing to launch its next-generation satellites in 2026. These upgraded satellites could handle up to 1,000 Gbps per satellite, potentially revolutionising global connectivity and improving internet quality in underserved regions.

Bottom Line

Starlink is currently in the trial and testing phase in India. Once it clears the remaining regulatory hurdles, the company is expected to bring high-speed satellite internet to Indian users. This will be particularly impactful for rural and remote areas, where traditional broadband and fiber connectivity remain limited.

FAQs

1. What is Starlink, and who owns it?
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, designed to deliver high-speed internet globally, especially in rural and underserved areas.

2. Has Starlink received approval to launch in India?
Yes, Starlink has received provisional spectrum allocation from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), but this approval is only for trials, not commercial services.

3. How long is Starlink’s trial approval valid in India?
The trial spectrum allocation is valid for six months or until Starlink completes its demonstrations.

4. When will Starlink officially launch in India?
There is no confirmed launch date yet. Starlink still needs satcom gateway licences, PoPs, and full spectrum rights before rolling out commercial services.

5. What internet speeds can Indian users expect from Starlink?
Starlink is expected to provide speeds ranging between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps, depending on signal quality and location.

6. How much will Starlink cost in India?
The one-time hardware cost (satellite dish + router) is expected to be around ₹30,000, while monthly subscription plans may start from ₹3,300 per month.

7. How does Starlink compare to Jio-SES and OneWeb?
Like Jio-SES and Bharti Airtel-backed OneWeb, Starlink has received approval for satellite broadband trials. All three are competing to provide high-speed internet via satellites in India.

8. What rules has the DoT set for Starlink trials?
The DoT requires Starlink’s networks to remain isolated, secure, and free of vulnerabilities. If trial signals interfere with telecom services, operations must stop immediately.

9. Will Starlink be available in rural India?
Yes. Starlink is designed to bridge the digital divide by providing reliable connectivity in rural and remote regions where traditional broadband and fiber are unavailable.

10. What are Starlink’s future plans in India and globally?
By 2026, Starlink aims to deploy next-generation satellites capable of delivering up to 1,000 Gbps per satellite, potentially boosting internet speed and reliability worldwide.

Read more: Top Business Magazine