Elon Musk's Starlink is nearing its commercial launch in India, revealing the pricing for its satellite-based internet services. The company has updated its Starlink India website, showcasing the residential plan, with the business tier pricing expected to be announced soon.
The Starlink Residential plan is priced at ₹8,600 per month, with a one-time hardware cost of ₹34,000. The package includes unlimited data and a 30-day trial period for new users to assess the service. Starlink emphasizes that the system is designed to operate in all weather conditions and provide over 99.9% uptime. The company also highlights the ease of installation, stating that customers only need to plug in the equipment to start using the connection.
Starlink's entry into India is significant because it aims to serve regions where traditional fiber connections struggle to reach. The service targets rural and remote areas, potentially providing high-quality broadband access to those who have never had it before.
While the rollout isn't fully official yet, Starlink's availability map indicates "pending regulatory approval," but progress is moving steadily. The Indian government has granted several permissions to the company, and industry executives anticipate complete approval soon. Once approved, Starlink will compete with Jio-SES and Eutelsat OneWeb in India's satellite communication market.
Starlink is also establishing gateway earth stations in cities like Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Noida. These stations will serve as relay points between Starlink's satellites and ground receivers, ensuring stable, low-latency connections, even in remote locations.
Earlier this year, the Department of Telecommunications granted Starlink a five-year license to operate commercial satellite broadband services. The company has also been actively hiring in India, seeking specialists in payments, accounting, treasury, and tax for its Bengaluru office, signaling its commitment to expanding its global operations.
In comparison to neighboring countries and local broadband rates, Starlink's pricing in India is considerably higher. However, Starlink aims to offer reliable connectivity and consistent speeds, particularly in areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is lacking.
Starlink has partnered with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to roll out its services in India. These partnerships involve offering Starlink equipment in retail outlets and exploring ways to connect communities, schools, and health centers in rural areas.
