Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, is on the verge of getting approval from the Indian government, with sources indicating that the green signal could be received as early as next week. Starlink is poised to become the third company after Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb to obtain the necessary license to provide satellite communications services in India. What we know so far about Starlink plans in India, speed, price and more:
Speed
Starlink’s satellite internet service offers high-speed internet access at rates ranging from 50 to 150 Mbps. The service is intended to provide reliable and fast Internet access, especially in isolated and rural places where typical broadband connections may be limited or unavailable.
Plans
Starlink’s plans in India are not finalized yet, but the company has shared some information about its price and connectivity plans. The service cost is expected to be Rs. 1,15,000 from the second year, including 30% tax, as the Starlink equipment is a one-time purchase. The base price of user equipment is Rs 37,400. Which includes Rs ₹7,425 per month for services.
Price
The exact and final cost of Starlink internet connection in India is currently unknown. However, according to shared details by Sanjay Bhargava, the head of Starlink’s India operations, the Starlink internet connection might be priced around ₹1,58,000 for the first year. From the second year onwards, the service cost is expected to be approximately ₹1,15,000 at 30% tax levies. These prices exclude taxes and government levies.
Connectivity
Starlink’s satellite internet service is designed to provide reliable and fast internet access, even in remote and rural areas where traditional broadband connections may be limited or unavailable. The company has shared a presentation via LinkedIn, including information about the cost/benefit analyses, timeline, and connectivity plans for districts in India.
Approval and Rollout
Starlink has not yet received a license in India, but the company has submitted an application to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to conduct a large number of trials in 2022 along with product stabilization and ecosystem development. The DoT approval will not allow Starlink to start providing satellite-based broadband service immediately, and the company will also need approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre. Once all necessary approvals are received, Starlink is expected to begin the rollout in India.
Conclusion
Starlink’s entry into the Indian market has the potential to revolutionize the internet connectivity landscape of the country, especially in rural and remote areas. The company’s high-speed satellite internet service, competitive pricing and ambitious rollout plans make it an exciting prospect for Indian consumers and businesses. As the approval process moves forward, Starlink is set to make significant strides in India’s evolving digital landscape.
