(Image Credit: Google Search)
By virtue of this license by the Ministry of Telecommunications, Govt of India, SpaceX will be able to start and provide satellite based broadband services in India. Hence, Elon Musk's Starlink will now compete with Indian internet giants like Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio, Oneweb and Bharti Airtel Ltd etc.
(Image Credit: Starlink.com)
(Image Credit: Starlink.com)
(Image Credit: Starlink.com)
(High Performance Starlink Kit, Image Credit: Starlink.com)
How Starlink works?
Starlink doesn't depend upon mobile towers or common fiber exchange networks. It sends internet signal directly to the antenna in user's home or office through thousands of small satellites in the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO), which are principally used for imaging, communication and space explorations. Starlink has more than 6000 satellites upto now in space and it targets at reaching upto 42000 mark by the end of 2027. Its internet speed is supposed to be around 50 to 250 MBPS which can be revolutionary in the Indian rural hard to reach areas.
Why does India need Starlink and Why did India give License Rights to it?
Whereas Reliance Jio, Airtel etc. have been running their latest web services reasonably good in all States and UTs and Govt of India has also been expediting its endeavors in expanding broadband services to every nook and corner of the country, still there are areas like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands etc. where Internet connectivity is comparatively weaker than rest of the nation. The main reason is the hilly, bushy, jungle and Island nature of these areas which makes it challengable to install fibre Or mobile towers. To counter this situation, Starlink stands out as a splendid alternative in providing fast and stable internet without having to depend upon any earthly installation system. Starlink's prime agenda in India is to restructure satellite internet connectivity to its most underserved regions and it can play a key role in providing emergency services, telemedicine facility (especially during pandemics), online education, E-governance and patrolling national boarders.
Starlink can prove itself to be a kingmaker and a digital lifeline for rural communities in India where no School, Bank, Hospital, Telemedicine faculty, Govt Or Private Agency office is found (as of today). People of these areas are mostly devoid of quality education, unaware of employment opportunities and various Government benefit schemes. Starlink can be both life saver and life maker once it successfully commences its service in these remote areas.
Will Starlink provide Free Internet in India?
Well, Reliance Jio communications gave away months of 4G internet services at its commencement in India. There is curiosity amongst whether Starlink would give free service at start not. At present, Starlink has not capped its price in India but its monthly usage charges in Europe and America ranges from ₹8000 to ₹10000, whereas its high performance kit (consists of a Dish Antenna and a Router) costs from ₹50000 to ₹60000. But considering the rural development purpose of the Indian Government, Starlink prices can be relatively much lower.
Update: From reliable sources, Starlink has finalized its cost of satellite dish device at ₹33000/- with monthly subscription cost of ₹3000 post a complimentary one month free trial period. So, yes, Starlink is going offer one month trial period free internet to its Indian customers as a part of its brand launching strategy. This will allow buyers to evaluate the service before subscribing for regular packages.
Is Starlink faster than 5G?
5G internet service data transmission speed can provide upto 1 GBPS while Starlink can give speed from 50 to 250 MBPS, which is definitely lower than 5G speed. Both of them depend merely on quality infrastructure latency and technical efficiency. But taking the non-availability of 5G towers in specific rural areas into account, Starlink can be an ideal replacement.
Data Safety and Futuristic Approach of Starlink
Government of India had strongly emphasized its strict rule for Data localization i.e. Data of Indian Starlink users will be stored in India exclusively. By no means, any breach will be allowed/conducted. Otherwise it will be treated as violation of License Agreement policy. Government of India has made it clear not to compromise on its national data safety and integrity. Earlier, Starlink had booked preorders in 2021 which was kept in abeyance by the Govt of India, but Starlink has fulfilled all legal formalities perfectly in 2025. Hence, Indian users are going to enjoy its services from here on.
