Starlink receives approval to provide high-speed satellite internet in India, promising connectivity for rural areas. Learn about its plans, challenges, and impact.
New Delhi, July 31, 2025 – Starlink, the satellite internet venture by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has secured final approval to bring high-speed internet to India. On July 8, 2025, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) greenlit Starlink’s plan to operate its 4,408-satellite constellation, paving the way for broadband services across urban and rural India. This move promises to transform connectivity, especially in remote areas where traditional internet is scarce.
Regulatory Milestone in India
Starlink’s entry into India has been years in the making. In 2021, the company faced hurdles after accepting pre-orders without proper licenses, forcing refunds. However, in June 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) granted Starlink a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license, along with Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) and Internet Service Provider (ISP) Category-A licenses.
The IN-SPACe approval completes the regulatory process, making Starlink the third provider, after Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s satellite unit, to gain full clearance for satellite internet in India.
“This approval is a big step toward connecting India’s unserved regions,” said an IN-SPACe spokesperson. “Starlink’s satellite internet can bridge the digital divide in rural and remote areas.”
How Starlink’s Satellite Internet Works
Starlink uses a network of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed internet without relying on cables or towers. Users need a Starlink kit—consisting of a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, stand, and cables—with a clear view of the sky to connect. The company has been allocated Ka and Ku frequency bands for seamless data transmission.
Starlink’s service is expected to offer download speeds of 25–220 Mbps, upload speeds of 5–20 Mbps, and latency of 25–50 milliseconds, ideal for streaming, gaming, and video calls. The hardware kit is priced at approximately ₹33,000 ($400), with monthly plans ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹4,200 for unlimited data. Some reports hint at a promotional plan of ₹840/month, and a one-month free trial may be offered with the kit purchase.
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Next Steps
While the approvals mark a major milestone, Starlink’s commercial launch is still a few steps away. The company must secure trial spectrum from the DoT, build at least three gateway stations to connect satellites to local networks, and comply with India’s strict cybersecurity and data localization rules. Industry experts predict services could roll out by late 2025 or early 2026.
To accelerate its reach, Starlink has partnered with telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, which dominate over 70% of India’s telecom market. These partnerships will leverage Jio and Airtel’s retail networks to distribute Starlink kits and services, particularly in rural areas where connectivity is limited.
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Challenges for Starlink in India
Despite its potential, Starlink faces challenges in India’s competitive telecom market. The ₹33,000 hardware cost and ₹3,000–₹4,200 monthly plans may be steep for many, especially in cities where JioFiber and Airtel Xstream offer faster speeds at lower rates, like 1 Gbps for ₹1,500/month. In rural areas, however, Starlink’s satellite-based service could be a game-changer.
Competition is another hurdle. Reliance Jio and OneWeb are expanding their satellite internet offerings, backed by local expertise and government support. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has also criticized the administrative allocation of spectrum to satellite providers, claiming it disadvantages traditional telecoms.
National security and data privacy are additional concerns. India’s strict regulations require Starlink to ensure data compliance and undergo security testing, which could delay its rollout. Some analysts suggest geopolitical factors, like India-U.S. trade talks, may also play a role.
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A Boost for Digital India
Starlink’s entry aligns with India’s Digital India initiative, which aims to provide internet access to all 1.4 billion citizens. With millions still offline, especially in rural areas, satellite internet could revolutionize education, healthcare, and business. For instance, students in remote villages could access online learning, and small businesses could tap into global markets.
Globally, Starlink serves over 70 countries, delivering internet in challenging environments like disaster zones. Its success in India will hinge on affordability, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance.
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What’s Next for Starlink India?
As Starlink prepares to launch, its impact on India’s internet landscape is eagerly anticipated. The company’s ability to deliver reliable, high-speed internet to underserved areas could redefine connectivity.