Starlink to Launch in India: Rs 33,000 for Device, Rs 3,000 Monthly Plan Post-Trial
Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, is set to begin services in India in the next two months after receiving its operating licence last week. Customers will be required to purchase a satellite dish priced at Rs 33,000, with a monthly subscription of Rs 3,000 for unlimited data. A one-month free trial will be offered to new users.
The service, operated by SpaceX, aims to provide fast and reliable internet through a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, targeting regions where traditional fibre-optic and mobile networks are weak or unavailable. Starlink’s India launch is expected to be a game-changer, particularly in rural and remote areas.
According to a report by news agency ANI, the pricing mirrors the company’s structure in neighbouring Bangladesh and Bhutan, indicating a unified regional approach. The company will provide hardware at a one-time cost of Rs 33,000, with ongoing internet service costing Rs 3,000 per month. The plan includes unlimited data usage and reportedly delivers speeds between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps, with many users globally experiencing speeds above 100 Mbps.
The one-month free trial is intended to ease adoption by letting users experience the technology before subscribing. Industry analysts believe this move could accelerate digital inclusion across India’s underserved communities.
While the government has not officially commented on the exact rollout dates, the Department of Telecommunications granted operating license last week. Sources indicate Starlink is actively working with telecom majors Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to integrate its services with local infrastructure and simplify regulatory processes.
Social media users welcomed the announcement, calling it a “revolution for rural India.” Many tech enthusiasts praised the pricing strategy, noting that while the upfront hardware cost may be high, the access it provides in low-connectivity areas makes it worthwhile.
Starlink is currently operational in over 100 countries and offers services across various segments, including residential, business, and maritime. In India, the focus will initially be on residential and rural users, where demand for high-speed internet has surged post-pandemic due to remote education and work-from-home trends.
The company’s LEO satellite model offers lower latency and greater coverage than traditional geostationary systems, making it more suitable for real-time applications such as video calls, online gaming, and emergency communications.
India has historically struggled with internet penetration in rural and mountainous regions. As per TRAI data, only 37% of rural households had internet access as of 2023. Starlink’s launch could help bridge this digital divide significantly.
The company had earlier attempted to begin operations in India in 2021 but faced delays due to regulatory hurdles. With formal licensing now in place and strategic partnerships secured, Starlink is finally set to enter one of the world’s largest untapped internet markets.
