Elon Musk's Starlink is nearing its launch in India, with reports suggesting that the satellite internet service could be priced between ₹3,000 and ₹4,200 per month. This pricing strategy aims to align with the costs in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan, where Starlink has already commenced operations. Along with the monthly subscription, there will be a one-time cost of ₹33,000 for the setup kit.
Starlink's entry into the Indian market is anticipated to occur within the next 12 months, following the acquisition of a key license from the Ministry of Telecommunications. The service intends to provide 600 to 700 Gbps of bandwidth initially. This move is expected to significantly improve connectivity in remote and underserved areas of India, where establishing traditional broadband infrastructure has proven challenging.
The pricing structure of Starlink in India appears to be consistent with its strategy in the region. In Bangladesh and Bhutan, the hardware costs are also around ₹33,000. This suggests that Starlink is aiming for a uniform pricing model across the subcontinent, taking into account capacity constraints and global costs.
As part of its launch strategy, Starlink is reportedly planning to offer a complimentary one-month trial period with each device purchase. This will allow customers to experience the service before committing to a monthly subscription.
Industry experts believe that Starlink's entry into India could intensify competition in the telecommunications sector. The satellite-based internet service promises to deliver high-speed internet access to locations previously unreachable by conventional terrestrial networks. This is particularly crucial for rural areas, educational institutions, and businesses in remote locations.
Starlink's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation is expected to provide high-speed internet access to users across India. The service is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional broadband infrastructure, which can be expensive and difficult to deploy in remote areas. With Starlink, users can access the internet via a satellite dish and a modem, making it a viable option for those who lack access to traditional internet services.