Elon Musk's Starlink gets licence in India: Check expected price, speed, benefits & more
According to Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the arrival of Starlink India will open the 'next frontier of connectivity.' This announcement follows recent talks between Indian telecom giants like Airtel and Jio, who are also exploring partnerships with SpaceX, the company behind Starlink.
Had a productive meeting with Ms. @Gwynne_Shotwell, President & COO of @SpaceX, on India's next frontier in connectivity. We delved into opportunities for collaboration in satellite communications to power Digital India's soaring ambitions and empower every citizen across the… pic.twitter.com/gGiCLC5e1C
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, the American aerospace company owned by billionaire Elon Musk. Instead of relying on traditional cables, Starlink delivers high-speed broadband internet using thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) — about 550 km above Earth. These LEO satellites allow Starlink to offer low-latency, fast internet even in remote and hilly regions where normal broadband fails to reach.
Because of its unique technology, Elon Musk's Starlink is often called 'broadband from the skies'.
Starlink India: What Did the Government Say?
Minister Scindia held a meeting with Gwynne Shotwell, the President and COO of SpaceX, to discuss the future of Starlink in India. Shotwell called the licence approval a 'great start' and thanked the government for supporting Starlink's mission in India.
Starlink India Price and Plans (Expected)
As per reports from ANI, the Starlink hardware kit, which includes a satellite dish, router, and mounting tripod, may cost around Rs 33,000. This is similar to what users pay in nearby countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh.
When it comes to the monthly internet charges, Starlink India could offer unlimited internet for around Rs 3,000 per month. To attract users, the company might also offer a one-month free trial.
There have also been rumours that Starlink India may launch a special promotional plan starting at just Rs 840 per month (under $10). However, it's unclear whether this low-cost plan will be available across the country or limited to certain states or villages.
Starlink Speed in India: What Can Users Expect?
One of the key benefits of Starlink India is the high-speed internet it promises to offer. Based on global performance reports, users can expect speeds between 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps, depending on their location and satellite signal clarity.
Even in areas with low mobile network coverage, Starlink's internet speed should be enough for video streaming, video calls, online classes, and remote work.
Starlink Launch Date in India
Although Elon Musk's Starlink has received clearance from India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT), it still needs final approval from IN-SPACe, India's space regulatory body. If everything goes smoothly, Starlink services in India could start by late 2025 or early 2026.
Starlink's Benefits for Rural India
The biggest impact of Starlink India will be felt in the rural and remote areas of the country. Many villages still lack reliable broadband connections. Starlink's satellite-based internet can help bridge this digital divide by offering stable, high-speed internet even in the mountains, forests, deserts, and far-flung islands.
Will Starlink Face Challenges in India?
While the entry of Starlink is exciting news, it's not free from controversy. Earlier, there were debates over issues like spectrum allocation and pricing concerns. Some telecom players feared predatory pricing from global players like Elon Musk's Starlink. However, with government support and fair regulation, Starlink India may change the face of digital connectivity.
With the licence now approved, Elon Musk's Starlink is one step closer to launching in India. It holds the promise of high-speed internet, fair pricing, and strong connectivity, especially for areas that are currently digitally dark.
Stay tuned for more updates on Starlink India's launch, final price plans, internet speed, and how to book the service.
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