Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite-based internet service, is on the verge of launching in India, marking a significant step towards expanding internet connectivity, especially in remote areas. The service has received government approval, but with a limited user base of 2 million connections to avoid disrupting the existing telecom ecosystem.

While an official launch date is yet to be announced, reports suggest the service could potentially go live by the end of 2025. Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that Starlink is addressing final requirements, including SATCOM gateway approvals, setting up points of presence, acquiring required spectrum, and securing licenses for networking equipment. Collaborations with local telecom giants like Jio and Airtel are expected to aid a smoother market entry.

Starlink promises internet speeds between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps, depending on weather conditions and location. While this may not significantly impact urban areas with robust fiber networks, it could revolutionize connectivity in rural India, where internet access is often inconsistent or non-existent. Such speeds could boost access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in rural communities.

The service is expected to be a premium offering. The one-time installation fee for the hardware kit is estimated to range between ₹30,000 and ₹35,000. Monthly plans are projected to cost between ₹3,000 and ₹4,200, with costs varying by location and data usage. An earlier report mentioned the satellite dish device costing approximately ₹33,000 with a monthly unlimited data plan at ₹3,000, including a complimentary one-month trial.

Starlink has partnered with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to use Aadhaar-based authentication for customer verification, ensuring a smooth, secure, and paperless sign-up process compliant with KYC norms.

The Indian government's decision to cap Starlink's user base at 2 million connections aims to balance introducing new technology while preserving the existing telecom structure. This move ensures that existing telecom operators are not adversely affected, preserving competition and service diversity. The government aims to complement the current ecosystem rather than disrupt it, focusing on delivering high-speed internet connectivity to remote regions.

Starlink's next-generation satellites, expected to launch starting in 2026, are designed to deliver over 1,000 Gbps of capacity per satellite. These upgrades could potentially increase download speeds up to 10 times faster than current levels.