Starlink Approved in India: How It Could Transform Rural Internet

India recently received a significant boost to its digital future. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has formally approved Starlink India, which is supported by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to begin offering satellite internet services.

It is anticipated that this action will revolutionize internet access in rural and isolated locations, where traditional networks frequently fall short.

Starlink India Gets Government Nod: What This Means for Internet Access Across the Country

Implications for India’s Connectivity

With this license, Starlink joins Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelsat OneWeb as the third company authorized to provide satellite-based internet in India.

Amazon’s Kuiper, another significant player, is still awaiting approval. The contest indicates that the satellite internet market in India is gaining traction.

Anticipated Cost: Uncertain but Competitive Worldwide

A former Starlink India executive’s earlier estimates indicated an annual cost of roughly ₹1.58 lakh, which might drop to ₹1.15 lakh in the second year, even though official prices in India have not yet been disclosed. Given India’s extremely price-sensitive internet market, these figures are probably going to fluctuate.

Residential Lite and Residential are the two primary plans that Starlink offers globally, and their prices vary greatly.

A few rumors and leaks suggest that the monthly rental can go as low as ₹1,000 in India, but there is no information about the hardware pricing, because it is quite costly if we compare it to current hardware costs in India.

Rates range from ₹3,000 to ₹4,200 in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan. The prices reach ₹8,700 or more in developed areas like the US and the UK.

The Global and Asian Footprint of Starlink

Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia are among the more than 100 nations where Starlink currently conducts business.

Only Bhutan and Bangladesh currently have access in South Asia. The planned launch in India will be a significant regional expansion and may serve as a model for other South Asian countries.

Starlink’s arrival India is about inclusion, not just faster internet. A dependable, fast connection could help millions of Indians living in rural areas gain better access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and education. India is getting closer to closing its long-standing digital divide with the launch of Starlink.