Starlink Set to Launch in India with Plans Under ₹840/Month, But Regulatory and Capacity Hurdles Remain
India is gearing up for the entry of satellite internet services, with Elon Musk’s Starlink preparing to roll out unlimited data plans priced below ₹840 per month (approximately $10). The low-cost offering marks an aggressive push to capture a broad user base—up to 10 million subscribers over time—helping the company absorb high spectrum and licensing expenses through scale.
While satellite broadband is traditionally costlier than terrestrial alternatives, companies like Starlink are expected to shake up the market with competitively priced plans aimed at rural and underserved populations.
However, the road ahead is not without challenges. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed a regulatory framework that includes a ₹500 monthly urban user charge, a 4% levy on adjusted gross revenue (AGR), a minimum annual fee of ₹3,500 per MHz of satellite spectrum, and an 8% license fee. These recommendations are still pending final government approval.
Analysts caution that Starlink’s current satellite network—designed to support around 4 million users globally—may limit its reach in India. Projections suggest only about 1.5 million users in the country could be served by 2030, unless infrastructure rapidly expands.
Although Starlink has secured approval from the Department of Telecommunications, it still awaits final clearance from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe). Similar entrants like OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications have faced regulatory processes that can stretch over two years.
If successful, Starlink’s affordable internet rollout could revolutionize digital access across India’s remote regions. However, regulatory green lights and infrastructure upgrades remain critical to unlocking its full potential.
