Elon Musk–led Starlink is preparing to introduce its satellite-based internet services in India, with monthly plans expected to fall in the ₹2,500–₹3,500 range.
As per an Economic Times (ET) report, the company will announce final pricing only after it receives full regulatory clearance, including spectrum allocation and security approval from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Starlink briefly displayed a monthly price of ₹8,600 on its website last week before removing it. The company later clarified that the figure appeared due to a technical error, according to ET. Industry analysts quoted in the report said such pricing would have been too high for India’s price-sensitive broadband market.
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Starlink secures key licences, awaits spectrum
Starlink has already obtained the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence, which allows it to offer retail satellite internet services in India.
ET also reported that the company has secured a VSAT licence and approvals for in-flight and maritime connectivity.
However, commercial rollout will begin only after the government assigns spectrum for satellite operations. Security assessments are still pending. Starlink has appointed senior leadership for its India operations. According to ET, the company’s India team and government relations will continue to be overseen by Lauren Dreyer, a Starlink vice-president.
Why Starlink won’t compete directly with Jio and Airtel?
Analysts told ET that Starlink will operate as a supplementary service rather than a competitor to India’s telecom companies.
A report by JM Financial noted that:
Jio and Airtel offer broadband at ₹500–₹1,000 per month
Starlink’s satellite plans are expected to cost three to five times more
India already has extensive 4G, 5G and fixed-wireless coverage across more than 90% of the country, reducing the immediate need for satellite-based broadband except in remote or disaster-prone regions.
An industry expert quoted by ET said Starlink’s India strategy is focused on long-term presence, not short-term profitability.
“When their constellation expands, their unit costs will improve. They are entering India with a long-term plan,” the expert said.
Elon Musk posted on his X that he is "looking forward to serving India with Starlink!" as Vice President of Starlink Business Operations (SpaceX), LaurenDreyer and the senior leadership team had a meet with Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Jyotiraditya Scindia posted on his X stating, "A pleasure to meet Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations (SpaceX) and the senior leadership team to discuss advancing satellite-based last-mile access across India."
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He further said, "As we work to advance PM Narendra Modi ji’s vision of a digitally empowered India, satellite technology will play a pivotal role in extending connectivity to the most remote parts of the country & strengthening internet access to every citizen in rural and hard-to-reach regions, ensuring that digital inclusion accelerates broader development."
Why the India market is different from the US?
ET pointed out that Starlink found success in the United States because 20–25% of US land area lacks stable ground connectivity.
India’s telecom landscape is different ass high-coverage networks already reach most regions, making satellite services an add-on rather than a replacement.
